WHEN CREDIBILITY MATTERS SCHENECTADY Democratic candidates discuss city issues By Brian Lee | June 10, 2021 City Council candidate and current councilwoman Marion Porterfield, right, makes her opening statement at a candidates forum in the GE Theatre at Proctors Wednesday. Listening, from left, are Haileab Samuel, Doreen DiToro, Damonni Farley and John Mootooveren.
SCHENECTADY – How the city should use its $58 million in federal pandemic relief, feedback on the mandated police reform plan that was recently sent to the governor, and how to put neighborhood improvement on par with downtown revitalization were some of the topics addressed during Wednesday’s candidates forum in advance of the June 22 Democratic primary.
Three incumbents – Karen Zalewski-Wildzunas, Marion Porterfield and John Mootooveren – and Damonni Farley are vying for three available four-year terms on the City Council.
In another council race, Doreen Ditoro, Haileab Samuel and Carl Williams are competing for two vacated seats with two years remaining.
Also, Brendan Savage and Omar Sterling McGill went head-to-head during the forum for the Schenectady County District 1 legislative seat.
At the GE Theatre in Proctors, the candidates discussed questions posed by Daily Gazette Editor Miles Reed through forum co-sponsors, the Schenectady branch of the NAACP and Schenectady United Neighborhoods.
Candidates for council seats were asked a multi-layered question about whether there’s a need for further police reform, such as the elimination of officers being allowed to use their knee to control subjects, whether they wanted a more diverse police force and if the department should use social workers.
Zalewski-Wildzunas said the recently completed collaboration on reforming the Police Department was a good document that remains “living and breathing,” meaning the city would continue to have conversations about additional training for officers and advocating for mental health specialists.
The incumbent said use of force is necessary in certain instances, and she credited Police Chief Eric Clifford for putting the department in “a much better state of mind” in reference to using force. She also said she advocate for social workers.
Porterfield said that after a controversial use of force incident last year in which an officer placed his knee on the head area of a suspect, there was a press conference where the mayor, commissioner of public safety and chief said the city would no longer use knee holds. She said she supported that initial stance, although it has since been revealed during the reform process that officers may continue to use their knee to control a suspect when the officer is in a life-and-death struggle.
Porterfield said she does not support knee holds to the neck and head area, as it could result in a poor outcome. She suggested retraining officers responding to violent and dangerous situations.
Porterfield also said community policing and a more diversity on police force were necessities.
Mootooveren said the Police Department had come a long way. The council president pointed out that the reform plan already recommends a task force to help diversify the department, and he also noted that the plan is to be revisited.
Farley said police officers shouldn’t be expected to act as a mental health professionals, especially walking into a crisis situation. He suggested more work is needed to create a culture that can prevent an officer who isn’t at his best on a particular day from “really horrible outcomes that we’ve seen across the country.”
Ditoro said she supports the reform plan that the city carried out because it was thorough and included members from all the neighborhoods.
“However, with that being said, the report is just the beginning, not the end,” she said. “Community meetings will continue.”
The candidate also said she favors fully staffing the Police Department, creating a community engagement unit that would “be instrumental in bridging and building trust between the police and the community,” and embedding a mental health professional within the department for each shift to handle nonviolent mental health calls.
To a question about the perceived lack of investment in neighborhoods, in the face of significant investment in downtown in recent years:
Samuel said the downtown revitalization effort was necessary because 15 years ago it was “almost a ghost land.”
“Now most of us we walk around very proud to say we live in Schenectady,” he said.
Unfortunately, that same level of effort hasn’t been issued into the neighborhoods that have deteriorated over the years, Samuel said, adding that he would like programs to help residents update to their homes, including siding, new windows, piping and infrastructure.
Williams said there has to be a complete buy-in to revitalizing neighborhoods, rather than talking about it only during political cycles. He said that he would call for conversations and help institute collaborative channels, because, at 31 years old, “I don’t know everything. However, I know that when you bring more decision makers to the table the solutions you come up with have a momentous effect.”
Regarding the city’s $58 million in coronavirus recovery funding this year, Mootooveren said some of it should be used to balance the city budget and pay off debt, and examine its aging infrastructure, fill vacancies, especially in the Police and Fire departments. Some money could also be spent on neighborhoods, he said.
Farley asserted that no one in the forum was qualified to answer, because, rather than make decisions for people, the city should include residents in those conversation.
Residents have to be at table, he said. The candidate recommended establishing an task force that taps people in communities, “and not just the usual suspects at the table.”
Zalewski-Wildzunas said she believed the city would come back stronger from the pandemic. She noted there are rules around use of the federal money.
But the incumbent called for the need to listen to constituents, some of whom have told her of their concerns about aging roads, sidewalks, and water and sewer systems. The city also needs to update parks and install lighting throughout them, Zalewski-Wildzunas said. Samuel noted that the city is still learning the impact of COVID-19. As such, it shouldn’t be so quick to start spending the federal money, he said, calling for a comprehensive study to first understand the impact of COVID-19 long term.
At the same time, Samuel said he wants to address the city’s high unemployment rate, with job training to get people back into the workforce and to use some of the funding to create jobs within the city.
Samuel also said there are many children struggling because of COVID-19. He said some money could be used to make healthcare professionals available to families.
In the county legislative forum, Savage pointed to his work on President Biden’s campaign last year as his proudest accomplishment. He said the president’s plan that provides the city and county with $88 million in combined funding will give the city the opportunity to “build back better.”
Savage said he wanted to build on the county government’s spearheading of Schenectady’s revitalization downtown, and to make further improvements in neighborhoods.
He touted his five-point plan to fix roads, repair and revitalize vacant housing, reduce litter, improve trash pickup, make streets safer through community policing and his desire to bring a grocery store to District 1 because it’s a food desert and the only district in the county without a supermarket.
McGill, who has worked in government, spoke of an unprecedented time in which there are environmental, economic, racial and justice crisis.
McGill said it is important to him to make sure county government is doing its best by the people when it comes to their tax dollars and the services the County Legislature provides.
McGill ended his remarks by saying he would hold town hall-style meetings to hear and understand what constituents of the district want.
2 COMMENTS David Bianchi June 10th, 2021 So is that why the City was so desperate approx.15 years ago and Had to Make THREATS and Make Improper Use of LAWS ILLEGALLY TO AQUIRE LAND ON BARRETT STREET!
The government can only acquire private lands if it is reasonably shown that the property is to be used for public purpose only. I Want to Remind You. When the Government Makes Laws. They Are Very Careful in the Words They Use.
There is a Major Difference in the Words Can and May that they have both Used when Making Laws!!
Again, The Law As Written! (The government Can only acquire private lands if it is reasonably shown that the property is to be used for public purpose only.)
I’m Not Sure How Many Laws The City Had Broken to Acquire that Land! More Then One I Assure You!
Publicly No Less!
(Letter from My Mom’s and My Then Lawyer Glen ….) August 14, 2018
To Whom It May Concern
Please be advised that I have represented David Bianchi in numerous matters concerning properties in the City of Schenectady.
A number of years ago I was approached by an attorney who asked if Mr. Bianchi was willing to sell a property on Barrett Street, as a development project was planed I responded with his asking price, which admittedly was high taking into account the planed use of the property, the attorney replied “That’s ok, we’ll just have the City take it.” Subsequently, an abandonment proceeding was commenced by the City of Schenectady, which the property was found to be abandoned despite the fact Mr. Bianchi continually used the property for storage and building inspector admitted he had never been inside the property. Exhibits have subsequently misplaced by the Court.
Later, Mr. Bianchi attempted to pay back taxes on another property which was in the name of another family member. After submitting the payment in full to American Tax Funding. ATF returned the payment and indicated that they had been directed by the City of Schenectady to return same as Mr. Bianchi was not the proper payer. This was done despite the fact that the City frequently takes payments from other entities for tax payments. It was clear that the City simply wished to seize the property for back taxes, and even the representative of ATF stated they had never seen that situation before.
Mr. Bianchi owned another property that was foreclosed on and a judgment of foreclosure entered. Subsequently, the mortgagee ex parte requested that the judgment be vacated, a fire later occurred at an adjoining property necessitating the demolition of an structure on Mr. Bianchi’s property. The City later sought to recover the significant demolition cost from Mr. Bianchi, despite the fact he had been divested of to the by the foreclosure proceeding, and knew nothing of what happened subsquently.
It appears that Mr. Bianchi’s Civil rights have been violated by the City of Schenectady on a number of occasions. It is unclear why he became a target of the City, but he clearly was.
Sincerely yours, Glen
(I Removed Glen’s Last Name to Hopefully Make the Gazette OK With Me Posting This Letter In Full)
My Fight on Barrett St./Barrett Village wasn’t about the Money so much.. That Probably Could Have Been Negotiated.. Just When People of Power or Wealth Think They Can Bully Someone Around and Take What They Want and Pay What They Think is FAIR! Not for Low Income Housing or a School or a Hospital or a Major Needed Roadway, or Anything that would Produce Long Term Jobs. Mind You.. For Townhouses Selling for $260,000.00 each! Along With The City Doing Eminent Domain on Vacant Lots with No Buildings on Them Calling Them Blight! Ya, I Will Fight to The End! The Funny Thing is I Was Never Told By Any Lawyer That I Was Wrong! Just That It Would Take Time and Money Was Needed to Fight! Well, Being Having No Money and Just this Keyboard.. Again, nothing Compared to someone Brutally Killing Someone. Yet, still a Burn and Certainly had it’s Effect.
Lord, Please, if Only I Could Be Given a Proper Day in Court with Proper Representation to Present All of The Evidence to Show What The City of Schenectady had Unleashed Upon My Mother and I with a String of Wrongdoings and What it Did to My Family and I With These Wrongdoings! (All For a Row of Townhouses?)
Reply David Bianchi June 10th, 2021 I Know that there are Many People in the City that are Hard Working, Honest People! My Father and His Family Was From Barrett Street! 1890’s Came to Barrett Street from Italy. Grandfather Served in WW1 My Uncle Served in WW2 It Was Their Land The City Improperly Took! With The Politicians Saying My Mom and I Didn’t Care About Barrett Street! Ah, Politicians! I UNDERSTAND They Are To Fight For The City! I Can Respect That! But, To Abuse the Power and Law that is Given Them!?? The Courts Say How They Want Someone That Has Done Wrong to Show Accountability! The Things They Said To My Mother and I Publicly No Less! In The Newspaper! We Loved Barrett Street! Yes, We Were Having a Rough Time 15 Years also in the City! We Invested Every Penny We Had in Rental Property in the City then! Before, There was Metroplex! We even did a Complete Rehab on a Couple of Rentals then. Complete Gut Outs! New Roofs, Siding, Sheetrock, Electrical and Plumbing. That Can Leave You Broke Too! Again, that was Before Metroplex.. Before, Metroplex, Nobody Was Investing in Schenectady!! They Had to Pay People to Come Here! Yes, We Were Having Trouble Keeping Up with the High Taxes Too! The City Was Even Selling it’s Property Tax Liens to American Tax Funding! Which ATF Charged the Property Owners High Interest for the Liens. In Return, ATF gave Property Owners 5 Years to Pay! And Many People Had to Take Advantage of That so to speak.. The Things They said About Us! Being Irresponsible Tax Payers! Saying Anything Bad. So, They Could Take Our Property! After Two Separate Threats! First Threat, We Will Just Go Through the City and Take it! After they Took One Property. The Lawyers said, Well, Do You Want to Sell Us the Others Properties? That’s OK. We Will Just Go Through the City and Take Them Too! Accountability and an Apology Would Be Nice! Wrongful Taking of Land for a Row of Townhouses No Less! Vacant Lots With No Buildings on Them! That I Kept Mowed! Calling Them Blight! First with an Abandonment trial on the House that was in my Family for Over a 100 Years! Along with the City Illegally/Wrongfully Ordering Paid Taxes to Be sent Back! When in those Days that is Why the City Sold the Tax Liens to ATF Because So Many Were Not Paying Their Property Taxes! And The City Couldn’t Afford to Take Over Any More Properties! I Have Solid Evidence including Paper Work and Witnesses to Show What I Am Saying is Not Just Hear Say Also! As Far as Lawyers? Even with the Solid Proof of Wrongdoings! Try to Get a Lawyer to Do Something Without Money to Be Paid Up Front!
My Bet Would Be Because This Particular Story Reaches Far Out Further Then Others Gazette Stories To Other By Showing Other Municipalities About Budgeting!
They Want My Story To Stay in Schenectady! It Getting Out More Can Only Be More Of A PROBLEM FOR THEM!!!
WHY?? BECAUSE THEY ARE GUILTY!!!
NOT ONLY GUILTY OF CRIMES AND LAND STEALING! BUT, ALSO OF A MASS COVER UP!!!
INCLUDING, LAWYERS!! THE COURTS!! AND GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS!!! Along WITH THE LOCAL NEWS!!!
WHEN CREDIBILITY MATTERS SCHENECTADY Independent auditor issues ‘clean report’ for Schenectady By Brian Lee | June 7, 2021 19SchenectdyCityHall.jpg Share1FacebookTweetEmail SCHENECTADY – An independent auditor on Monday gave city leaders “an unmodified opinion” of its review of financial statements, the highest level of assurance the company could give.
“It’s considered a clean report, no reportable issues and no findings,” John Tafilowski of Cusack & Co. told the City Council’s Finance Committee of his company’s draft audit result concerning the fiscal year that ended Dec. 31.
The company spent three week’s reviewing the city’s financial records, and Tafilowski went line by line of key elements.
During a pandemic-plagued 2020, the city’s general fund, the chief operating fund, spent $84 million, resulting in a deficiency of $3.7 million. Most departments were within budget because of efficient operations, with the exception of transportation, which was over budget by $81,000 due to a big, late-year storm.
Its water fund had a surplus of $890,000, its sewer fund was deficient $167,600, while its recreation fund had a surplus of $149,000.
Grants and other revenue funds were deficient $155,000, while capital projects had an overall deficiency of $17.6 million, primarily because of bonding received in previous years, combined with the city expending the money on capital projects this year, Tafilowski said.
The city complied in all material respects with requirements that could have a direct and material effect on all of its major federal programs, and it had no deficiencies in controls over compliance of material weaknesses, the auditor said.
In April, Standard & Poors affirmed the city’s general obligation bond rating of A, with a stable outlook. In January, Moody’s Investor Services affirmed the city’s general obligation bond rating of AAA.
The city’s expenditures of $84.5 million exceeded revenues of $80.8 million.
As a consequence, the mayor instituted a hiring freeze at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, and the mayor and finance commissioner cut overtime in its entirety, while non-personnel budget lines were reduced 20%, to control costs.
The transportation department was over budget by $81,483, largely because of a Dec. 17 storm in which more than 30 inches of snow fell on the city.
Also, in February 2020, the city settled a contract with the Police Benevolent Association, at an increase of $1.6 million.
Operational revenue fell short of the budget amount by $4.8 million, including a prior year tax lien collection that fell short by $942,000. Interest and penalties on property taxes was under budget by $773,000. Interest and penalties were waived by the city for for much of the year.
Also, projected revenue from the Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady fell short by $1.5 million due to pandemic closures, the auditor said, and state aid revenue fell short by $560,000. Property sales fell short by $368,000.
On the other hand, sales tax revenue exceeded the budget of $13.2 million by $117,000, and an audit of the city’s energy bills resulted in a net prior year refund of $598,000, the auditor said.
The general fund called for the combined use of $5.7 million in reserve funds and unassigned funds, of which the city used $3.6 million.
The fund balance of reserves on Dec. 31 was $10.7 million, with $2.7 million in restricted funds, Tafilowski said.
“We feel, overall, that management does a really good job maintaining their reserves,” he said.
The city’s proportionate share of net pension liability for retired city employees was $12.2 million, nearly quadruple from a liability of $3.3 million in 2019.
Similarly, the city’s proportionate share of net pension liability for police and firefighters soared to $43.2 million, from $14.6 million in 2019.
Tafilowski attributed the increases to the market being in “the tank” at the time of the valuations in March 2020.
Meantime, the city’s combined “other post employment benefits” increased $42 million, to $332 million.
Tafilowski called the net pension liabilities and post employment benefits “paper liabilities” that are not funded.
Councilman John Polimeni thanked Commissioner of Finance & Administration Anthony Ferrari and his team for “another excellent audit result.”
“We have a hardworking team here and they do a really good job” of multiple reviews of city finances, Ferrari replied.
Once the audit is complete, Cusack & Co. will send a management representation letter for Ferrari to sign, and then the City Council would vote. If approved, the firm would then send the representation letter to the federal government.
Categories: News, Schenectady County
6 COMMENTS David Bianchi June 9th, 2021 The government can only acquire private lands if it is reasonably shown that the property is to be used for public purpose only.
Log in to Reply David Bianchi June 9th, 2021 I Want to Remind You. When the Government Makes Laws. They Are Very Careful of the Words They Use.
There is a Major Difference in the Words Can and May that they have both Used when Making Laws!!
Again, The Law As Written! (The government can only acquire private lands if it is reasonably shown that the property is to be used for public purpose only.)
I’m Not Sure How Many Laws The City Had Broken! More Then One I Assure You!
Publicly No Less!
Log in to Reply David Bianchi June 9th, 2021 Lord, Please, if Only I Could Be Given a Proper Day in Court with Proper Representation to Present All of The Evidence to Show What The City of Schenectady had Unleashed Upon My Mother and I with a String of Wrongdoings and What it Did to My Family and I With These Wrongdoings! (All For a Row of Townhouses?)
Log in to Reply David Bianchi June 10th, 2021 (To Gazette Editor, This Comment Has No Letter From Glen in it! Why Would This Comment Be Removed
Do I Need to Remove Some Part of This Comment?
So is that why the City was so desperate approx.15 years ago and Had to Make THREATS and Make Improper Use of LAWS ILLEGALLY TO AQUIRE LAND ON BARRETT STREET!
The government can only acquire private lands if it is reasonably shown that the property is to be used for public purpose only. I Want to Remind You. When the Government Makes Laws. They Are Very Careful in the Words They Use.
There is a Major Difference in the Words Can and May that they have both Used when Making Laws!!
Again, The Law As Written! (The government Can only acquire private lands if it is reasonably shown that the property is to be used for public purpose only.)
I’m Not Sure How Many Laws The City Had Broken to Acquire that Land! More Then One I Assure You!
Publicly No Less!
(Letter from My Mom’s and My Then Lawyer Glen ….) August 14, 2018
To Whom It May Concern
Please be advised that I have represented David Bianchi in numerous matters concerning properties in the City of Schenectady.
A number of years ago I was approached by an attorney who asked if Mr. Bianchi was willing to sell a property on Barrett Street, as a development project was planed I responded with his asking price, which admittedly was high taking into account the planed use of the property, the attorney replied “That’s ok, we’ll just have the City take it.” Subsequently, an abandonment proceeding was commenced by the City of Schenectady, which the property was found to be abandoned despite the fact Mr. Bianchi continually used the property for storage and building inspector admitted he had never been inside the property. Exhibits have subsequently misplaced by the Court.
Later, Mr. Bianchi attempted to pay back taxes on another property which was in the name of another family member. After submitting the payment in full to American Tax Funding. ATF returned the payment and indicated that they had been directed by the City of Schenectady to return same as Mr. Bianchi was not the proper payer. This was done despite the fact that the City frequently takes payments from other entities for tax payments. It was clear that the City simply wished to seize the property for back taxes, and even the representative of ATF stated they had never seen that situation before.
Mr. Bianchi owned another property that was foreclosed on and a judgment of foreclosure entered. Subsequently, the mortgagee ex parte requested that the judgment be vacated, a fire later occurred at an adjoining property necessitating the demolition of an structure on Mr. Bianchi’s property. The City later sought to recover the significant demolition cost from Mr. Bianchi, despite the fact he had been divested of to the by the foreclosure proceeding, and knew nothing of what happened subsquently.
It appears that Mr. Bianchi’s Civil rights have been violated by the City of Schenectady on a number of occasions. It is unclear why he became a target of the City, but he clearly was.
Sincerely yours, Glen
(I Removed Glen’s Last Name to Hopefully Make the Gazette OK With Me Posting This Letter In Full)
My Fight on Barrett St./Barrett Village wasn’t about the Money so much.. That Probably Could Have Been Negotiated.. Just When People of Power or Wealth Think They Can Bully Someone Around and Take What They Want and Pay What They Think is FAIR! Not for Low Income Housing or a School or a Hospital or a Major Needed Roadway, or Anything that would Produce Long Term Jobs. Mind You.. For Townhouses Selling for $260,000.00 each! Along With The City Doing Eminent Domain on Vacant Lots with No Buildings on Them Calling Them Blight! Ya, I Will Fight to The End! The Funny Thing is I Was Never Told By Any Lawyer That I Was Wrong! Just That It Would Take Time and Money Was Needed to Fight! Well, Being Having No Money and Just this Keyboard.. Again, nothing Compared to someone Brutally Killing Someone. Yet, still a Burn and Certainly had it’s Effect.
Lord, Please, if Only I Could Be Given a Proper Day in Court with Proper Representation to Present All of The Evidence to Show What The City of Schenectady had Unleashed Upon My Mother and I with a String of Wrongdoings and What it Did to My Family and I With These Wrongdoings! (All For a Row of Townhouses?)
Sorry, I Copy and Pasted Wrong There. Surely, This Paper Recognizes Freedom of Speech? I’m not sure Why the Comment that had No Letter from Glen it Removed? Or what part in that comment needs to be removed? Along, with What Part of the Letter from Glen Bothered You? I Would still like to be able to post parts of that letter should I feel they might partially fit in to a story or the comment I am making. I did remove Glen’s last name from the letter.
Log in to Reply David Bianchi June 10th, 2021 (To the Editor, I removed some things from this comment. Trying to make it more acceptable.)
I Know that there are Many People in the City that are Hard Working, Honest People! My Father and His Family Was From Barrett Street! 1890’s Came to Barrett Street from Italy. Grandfather Served in WW1 My Uncle Served in WW2 It Was Their Land that was Willed to my Mom that the City Improperly Took! With The Politicians Saying My Mom and I Didn’t Care About Barrett Street! Ah, Politicians! I UNDERSTAND They Are To Fight For The City! I Can Respect That! But, To Abuse the Power and Law that is Given Them!?? The Courts Say How They Want Someone That Has Done Wrong to Show Accountability! The Things They Said To My Mother and I Publicly No Less! In The Newspaper! We Loved Barrett Street! Yes, We Were Having a Rough Time 15 Years also in the City! We Invested Every Penny We Had in Rental Property in the City then! Before, There was Metroplex! We even did a Complete Rehab on a Couple of Rentals then. Complete Gut Outs! New Roofs, Siding, Sheetrock, Electrical and Plumbing. That Can Leave You Broke Too! Again, that was Before Metroplex.. Before, Metroplex, Nobody Was Investing in Schenectady!! They Had to Pay People to Come Here! Yes, We Were Having Trouble Keeping Up with the High Taxes Too! The City Was Even Selling it’s Property Tax Liens to American Tax Funding! Which ATF Charged the Property Owners High Interest for the Liens. In Return, ATF gave Property Owners 5 Years to Pay! And Many People Had to Take Advantage of That so to speak.. The Things They said About Us! Being Irresponsible Tax Payers! Saying Anything Bad. So, They Could Take Our Property! After Two Separate Threats! First Threat, We Will Just Go Through the City and Take it! After they Took One Property. The Lawyers said, Well, Do You Want to Sell Us the Others Properties? That’s OK. We Will Just Go Through the City and Take Them Too! Accountability and an Apology Would Be Nice! Wrongful Taking of Land for a Row of Townhouses No Less! Vacant Lots With No Buildings on Them! That I Kept Mowed! Calling Them Blight! First with an Abandonment trial on the House that was in my Family for Over a 100 Years! Along with the City Illegally/Wrongfully Ordering Paid Taxes to Be sent Back! When in those Days that is Why the City Sold the Tax Liens to ATF Because So Many Were Not Paying Their Property Taxes! And The City Couldn’t Afford to Take Over Any More Properties! I Have Solid Evidence including Paper Work and Witnesses to Show What I Am Saying is Not Just Hear Say.
My Bet Would Be Because This Particular Story Reaches Far Out Further Then Others Gazette Stories To Other By Showing Other Municipalities About Budgeting!
They Want My Story To Stay in Schenectady! It Getting Out More Can Only Be More Of A PROBLEM FOR THEM!!!
WHY?? BECAUSE THEY ARE GUILTY!!!
NOT ONLY GUILTY OF CRIMES AND LAND STEALING! BUT, ALSO OF A MASS COVER UP!!!
INCLUDING, LAWYERS!! THE COURTS!! AND GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS!!! Along WITH THE LOCAL NEWS!!!
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!
THE TRUTH WILL COME OUT!! SCHENECTADY GATE!!
I TRIED POSTING ON TWO GAZETTE STORIES! IMMEDIATE TAKE OUT!!!! ON TWO GAZETTE STORIES!! I'M THINKING TIMES UNION! NEW YORK TIMES!!!
My Bet Would Be Because This Particular Story Reaches Far Out Further Then Others Gazette Stories To Other By Showing Other Municipalities About Budgeting!
They Want My Story To Stay in Schenectady! It Getting Out More Can Only Be More Of A PROBLEM FOR THEM!!!
WHY?? BECAUSE THEY ARE GUILTY!!!
NOT ONLY GUILTY OF CRIMES AND LAND STEALING! BUT, ALSO OF A MASS COVER UP!!!
INCLUDING, LAWYERS!! THE COURTS!! AND GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS!!! Along WITH THE LOCAL NEWS!!!
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!
THE TRUTH WILL COME OUT!! SCHENECTADY GATE!!
I TRIED POSTING ON TWO GAZETTE STORIES! IMMEDIATE/ was on for 2 Minutes then TAKEN OUT!!!! ON TWO GAZETTE STORIES!! Then I Even Tried making a comment with the word "NICE" on a Church story but my new comments won't show so I have been locked out. I'M THINKING TIMES UNION! NEW YORK TIMES!!!
The odd part is my two previous comments on the two stories that are still in prior that I had to repost are still there. But, again the Seems Like I Struck a Nerve thru The Truth Will Come Out Newly posted comment was only allowed to stay posted in the gazette for about 2 minutes. Along with I was locked out of making comments. Usually the editor just removes a comment. The odd thing again, Not only was this last comment removed and I was Locked out. Yet the Two Comments I have made including the letter from Glen have been allowed to stay in the democratic-candidates story and the independent -auditor -issues -clean report story. For Now Anyways!
CAPITOL CONFIDENTIAL LATEST NEWS FROM THE TIMES UNION CAPITOL BUREAU A.M. Roundup: Cuomo tosses COVID restrictions, but hangs onto emergency powers BACK TO ARTICLE Comments
3 Responses us51 says: June 16, 2021 at 9:40 am – Victory speech: Typical Andy bombast. Read the 242 page report on nursing homes and long term care that was just released by the NYS Bar Association. Tell us how many COVID patients were admitted to the largest field hospital in the nation, and to the hospital ship “Comfort”. 20 million doses of vaccine administered to NY-ers, the very same vaccine Andy loudly condemned a year ago. # – Vermont: Congratulations to the Green Mountain State for being first state in the Northeast to lift COVID restrictions after hitting the 80% mark for inoculations! # – White House Plumbers: Watergate, a third rate burglary that toppled a Presidency, all because the major crime was the coverup. Very coincidental. # – Percoco funds: Perfectly legal charitable act – that is what friends do – but are we expect to buy the “I know nothing” response from within such a tightly knit family?
Reply williamtstokes says: June 16, 2021 at 10:54 am Our dictator has finally relinquished more or his power, what a guy. It wasn’t close to a victory though. He seems to have forgotten all of the people that died in nursing home because of his incompetence, all while he was busy writing a book on state time using the state workforce. Maybe he forgot all of those hospital beds that the feds. provided while he was screaming for more ventilators. The child was spared the rod, it’s obvious he is spoiled.
Reply joeschmoe says: June 16, 2021 at 12:38 pm A.M. Roundup: Cuomo tosses COVID restrictions, but hangs onto emergency powers
I thought the Senate and Assembly already stripped him of his emergency powers on March 5, 2021? How do you get to retain something that has already been removed from you?
Andrew is wrong, he has no power to reinstate his power.
Reply davidbianchi says: Your comment is awaiting moderation. This is a preview; your comment will be visible after it has been approved. June 17, 2021 at 5:06 pm Google Schenectady Gate !! In Which was also all because the major crime was the coverup. Very coincidental. All for a Row of Townhouses on Barrett Street in the Downtown area called Barrett Village in Schenectady. In Which Very Possibly the Governor’s office having a hand in with the Millions they had sent to Schenectady for the Downtown Revitalization effort?
SCHENECTADY Seven candidates compete for Schenectady City Council seats By Brian Lee | June 20, 2021 Top: Damonni Farley, John Mootooveren, Marion Porterfield; Bottom: Karen Zalewski-Wildzunas, Doreen Ditoro, Haileab Samuel and Carl Williams PHOTOGRAPHER: FILE PHOTO
SCHENECTADY – Tuesday’s primary election features a slate of Democratic hopefuls for City Council.
Four candidates are vying for a trio of full four-year terms while, separately, three candidates are competing for a pair of unexpired two-year terms.
The races come at an important juncture in the point in the Electric City’s history, particularly as it transitions out of the COVID-19 pandemic and makes plans for its award of $58 million in federal stimulus funds.
The city also continues with the fluid process of police reform, at the behest of the governor.
The seven candidates addressed those topics, and more, in questions posed by the Daily Gazette. Responses from candidates for full terms are listed first and alphabetically. Some answers were pared down for space considerations.
The candidates for full terms are: Damonni Farley, John Mootooveren, Marion Porterfield and Karen Zalewski-Wildzunas; The candidates for two-year terms are: Doreen Ditoro, Haileab Samuel and Carl Williams.
Damonni Farley
Farley, a community activist, is married with two children and works as director of community outreach for the Schenectady City School District.
What do you propose Schenectady ‘do’ to rebound from the pandemic?
Schenectady’s response to the pandemic must be driven by a process that engages directly with those most impacted. For example, Communities of Color have experienced disproportionate infection and death rates during the COVID-19 pandemic. We must acknowledge the fact that these communities are also disproportionately represented in essential work forces that do not have the option to work from home, such as patient care technicians, home health aides, and retail and service workers. Any response at the city level must address the needs of this population directly and robustly.
We must also address the needs of small business owners whose livelihoods have been disrupted, workers who have experienced job loss, and students whose education has been fragmented or put on hold. To accomplish this, we must convene and empower a panel representative of these groups to have active oversight of how pandemic recovery resources are allocated.
How should the city use its stimulus money?
The city must use its stimulus money to invest in projects that will yield sustained, ongoing benefits for Schenectady residents. Our process must prioritize all of these voices as we recover from the impact of the pandemic. The Council should convene a task force that includes representatives from each of the city’s neighborhoods and activist groups to identify specific projects and goals.
Some potential ideas include upgrades to public housing, completing necessary road repairs, modernizing critical infrastructure and expanding public WiFi. Investments in these areas benefit both residents and businesses.
Beyond that, we must expand our definition of “infrastructure.” If we are to have a workforce that reflects our city’s diversity, we must remove barriers to accessing full-time employment that pays a living wage. To accomplish this, I would propose that the city invest in providing childcare programming to working families. This can be done in partnership with the county and non-profit organizations to involve expertise and support from multiple sectors.
What will your priorities be if elected to the City Council?
Expanding access to safe, stable housing for all residents, increasing programming to support youth and building an economy that benefits workers, families and small businesses.
I believe that any state or federal money that becomes available for infrastructure projects should be allocated to renovating public housing developments. We must also expand our investment in youth – the most recent budget allocated only $43,000 to programming to serve our children. The city can also expand the impact of recent development initiatives by incentivizing developers to use local, union contractors to support sustainable jobs that pay fair, living wages to Schenectady’s workers.
What strengths will you bring to the council?
I will bring my ability to meaningfully and authentically engage across the diverse communities that exist in our city. I have considerable experience navigating multiple systems which impact the lives of city residents. I am a small business owner who works with both public and private sector groups, which gives me experience and perspective to represent the small business owners in our city.
My work as a diversity, equity, and inclusion consultant requires me to have the ability to facilitate productive dialogue that builds consensus as well as helps people to grow and connect. This experience will guide how I communicate and collaborate with my fellow council members and community stakeholders.
What do you see as Schenectady’s strengths, and how will you as an individual council member try to build upon them?
Schenectady’s greatest strength is the people. A childhood experience stands out for me. One day I was walking home from school because I had missed the bus when Mr. Marino called me over to make a joke about the Yankees bullpen (regrettably he’s a Red Sox fan, nobody is perfect). He gave me a slice of pizza and bus fare for a ride home. When I shared this story with my parents, they were relieved that I had made it home safely due to the kindness of a neighbor.
While this story may seem insignificant, it reflects the deep sense of community that makes Schenectady special. I will seek to foster this kind of connection between small businesses and neighborhoods to build organic community connections that improve the quality of life for our citizens.
What about its weaknesses? What will be your plan of attack?
Our city’s weaknesses are directly connected to its strength, the people. The city has not been effective at engaging directly with the community and failed at being accessible and transparent in its decision-making. By excluding these diverse resources and perspectives from policymaking, we inhibit growth and development. To combat this issue, I will create organizational mechanisms to ensure that community voices are present during the process.
What are your thoughts on funding the city received for downtown revitalization? Is it a good list and does it go far enough?
Receiving competitive grant money to accelerate downtown revitalization efforts is clearly to the city’s benefit. The construction projects aimed at facilitating easier traffic flow in the downtown commercial corridor, upgrading drainage and sidewalks in pedestrian areas, and improving lighting and facades will benefit the downtown business community tremendously. I believe the city can spread the benefits of this money beyond downtown in an equitable manner by awarding contracts to M/WBEs and Schenectady-based contractors. I also hope that the artwork, installations and murals reflect the city’s vibrant diversity and hope that artists from marginalized communities are given the opportunity to express their brilliance in these spaces.
What do you think is the most important challenge facing the Schenectady Police Department and what solutions might you propose to meet this challenge?
One of the most important challenges facing SPD is that officers are called to respond to situations that do not require a police officer as well as situations that other personnel are better equipped to handle. It is unreasonable to expect a police officer to have the knowledge and skills of a trained mental health professional while responding to a mental health crisis. We can best serve our community by ensuring that resources are allocated to address root causes of poverty, instability and crime. Further, we can best serve the officers of SPD by ensuring that their efforts are concentrated in the areas of safety and investigation. As a city, we do not invest in any social workers or mental health counselors beyond what is provided through the county, nor do we have any programs to support community-based conflict resolution. SPD needs the city to invest in therapists, social workers, and evidence-based community programs that address root causes.
There was quite a bit of infighting between the council this past year. What will your approach in terms of working as a cohesive unit? How will you seek to build consensus on the council?
In my work as a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Consultant and Trainer, I am often facilitating conversations among people with a variety of experiences, knowledge, and understanding on topics that challenge long-held beliefs and can be extremely personal. Building mutual understanding and respect is critical and will be for the council as well. I will suggest returning to “Why?” – grounding ourselves in the reasons we do the work. This is an effective way to build authentic connections between people of differing views. The council’s purpose is to build a better Schenectady for all residents. Reminding ourselves of this, and challenging ourselves to lean into learning, will help to keep the council working cohesively and effectively.
What are your thoughts about the proposal to move Stockade homes out of the floodplain and up to higher ground?
The City cannot use eminent domain on federally funded projects, so there is no question of displacing other residents or businesses on potential new sites. As long as the city continues to build consensus among all impacted parties, the plan to relocate homes to sites outside of the floodplain should proceed.
Is city government doing enough to help the neighborhoods? If not, what needs to happen?
The city can better help neighborhoods by establishing and meaningfully empowering neighborhood committees that are inclusive of the full neighborhood community. These committees can best speak to the unique needs of each neighborhood and identify any help needed from the city. Then, the city must be intentional about implementation of solutions. Neighborhood committees are necessary to ensure full civic engagement of all community members in a city of working poor families. City council meetings alone are not enough. The council must proactively and authentically engage all residents of all neighborhoods if we are to truly “help” all neighborhoods.
Incumbent John Mootooveren, who seeks four-year term
Mootooveren, a project accountant, has served eight years on the City Council. He is married with two daughters.
What do you propose Schenectady ‘do’ to rebound from the pandemic?
Continue our strong partnership with Schenectady County in providing vaccines, masks, and other PPE items as needed. I have worked closely with the county health director Keith Brown in coordinating pop-up vaccine sites located in our inner-city neighborhoods. Due to this partnership, Schenectady County has attained the highest vaccination percentage in the state.
In regards to a “rebound” we need to reach out to our community partners, the Schenectady City School District, and local small businesses to offer our support and what we, the City Council can do for them. This conversation needs to start now. As Council President, this will be a high priority on the city agenda and to work closely with the Mayor and his administration on how we can provide support.
How should the city use its stimulus money?
Again, the city, Mayor’s Office and City Council need to hold community-wide forums/discussions on how we can make the best decision(s) for the use of $58 million allocated to the city. We cannot just set this money aside for a rainy day, it’s pouring right now. We need to balance the budget, pay off loans, and at the same time look at the many additional needs that include potholes, sidewalks, streets in need of replacing, filling vacancies in all city departments, including staffing in the city hall, department of general service, parks and recreations, and most importantly fully staff our police and fire department. Expand opportunities for our youth by providing funding for youth employment programs not only for summer jobs but for opportunities throughout the year.
What will your priorities be if elected to the City Council?
To continue to keep property tax stable, if not lower (perhaps using a portion of the stimulus fund to do this). To have a budget that reflects the needs of the community. Making sure that the vital services remain funded to include staffing all the departments at their full capacity. As always public safety is a topic of high priority, we need to focus on making sure law enforcement has the resources needed to provide services to the residents. Investing in the neighborhoods to expand the tax base, remove blighted properties, increase homeownership and increase property values.
What strengths will you bring to the council?
Certainly, my experience as a council member for eight years and the past two years as council president exemplifies my strength as a member of the city council. Being chair of the public safety committee, as well as being a seated member of the finance, parks and recreation and government operations committees gives me great experience to provide the services needed. I am ready to continue my leadership and expertise to our city residents. The many years of my involvement in community services have shown my dedication to the improvements throughout the city. Also, as a project accountant dealing with multimillion-dollar projects which includes dealing with subcontractors, budgets and forecasts, it equips me with the financial knowledge to deal with city budget and finance.
What do you see as Schenectady’s strengths, and how will you as an individual council member try to build upon them?
We need to work together as a council body, not as individuals. Too many times individuals have worked on their own with little support from colleagues. Together we will build on our strengths, a liveable, walkable city, strong school district, stable property taxes, continued support of our seniors at the senior center in partnership with Kingsway community, smart city technology throughout our city, and prioritize public safety.
What about its weaknesses? What will be your plan of attack?
Again, something of this importance needs total cooperation from the Mayor’s Office and City Council. Weaknesses can be heard every time I talk to voters on their doorsteps. Taxes, public safety, potholes, and fireworks. Meeting with our Department heads, police and fire chiefs, and neighborhood and community leaders to provide the comprehensive “2025” action plan that can be implemented with funding and support of those listed.
What are your thoughts on funding the city received for downtown revitalization? Is it a good list and does it go far enough?
We are once again very appreciative of New York State “Downtown Revitalization Initiative” funding containing a list of notably $10 million dollars worth of projects which includes a mix of retail, housing and the development of the Jay Street corridor from downtown over to Nott Street. The work will include creating the opening of Jay Street in the Little Italy neighborhood to Nott Street. Something that small businesses in the Little Italy corridor have been in support of for years. Being that this is the first time the city has applied for these funds (DRI) we (Metroplex and the City of Schenectady) weren’t surprised by the list.
What do you think is the most important challenge facing the Schenectady Police Department and what solutions might you propose to meet this challenge?
The police department must be fully funded in order to provide the needed services within our community. Improved training of police officers to include adapting to the changes of the demographics in the city of Schenectady, which includes cultural awareness. We need to encourage citizens, public officials and the administration, including police leadership and rank and file officers to have open communication between everyone. The Police and community need to build trust between each other so that residents can feel comfortable calling the police when needed. The dialogue between the Police and the community needs to be ongoing, community leaders and Police have to communicate effectively.
There was quite a bit of infighting between the council this past year. What will your approach be in terms of working as a cohesive unit? How will you seek to build consensus on the council?
We need to respect each other’s perspectives with open arms and embrace the many changes that are happening in the community which include diversity and cultural awareness. We as a council need to work for the people of Schenectady rather than for individual purposes. The residents expect the Council to work together on their behalf and what we do must benefit everyone in Schenectady. Council members should feel comfortable bringing their ideas to the table and openly discuss without fear of dismissal.
What are your thoughts about the proposal to move Stockade homes out of the floodplain and up to higher ground?
The City Department of Development held months of community forums/meetings to gather their input on several plans that were offered by the NYS Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. The vast majority of these residents expressed interest in working with the City to continue the evaluation of moving their homes. The relocation of homes outside of the 500-year floodplain was the chosen mitigation and approved. Beginning with Ingersoll Avenue homes, the street that is most vulnerable to flooding in the district. The homes would maintain the same relationship to one another and the sidewalk, and they would be completely up and out of the floodplain. Continued community support of the dialogue is key to its success, funding from FEMA as well.
Is the city government doing enough to help the neighborhoods? If not, what needs to happen?
The city has many projects happening throughout different neighborhoods. We have been working with Neighborhood Associations to address the many concerns and to bring meaningful relief to residents within these communities. The city and Landbank are working to address the many vacant and abandoned properties, by selling some properties to owners who occupy them and demolishing the blighted properties. There are new, affordable residential apartments being built in Hamilton Hill to address the housing issue. Renewing our infrastructure, including paving streets and the sidewalk pilot project. We are encouraging small businesses to invest in these neighborhoods.
Incumbent Marion Porterfield, four-year term
Porterfield has been on the council since 2012. She’s a longtime resident of the city who works as a consultant. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, she ran a community-based organization helping people find employment.
What do you propose Schenectady ‘do’ to rebound from the pandemic?
I propose Schenectady reopen city hall to the public to send the message we are coming out of this pandemic. We need to work with the school district so children can return to classroom learning and continue to support more outdoor events such as the Greenmarket.
How should the city use its stimulus money?
I believe the city should first balance the budget for lost revenue due to COVID-19. Then we can look at the criteria and restrictions on use for the remaining money, look at the needs for the City, including infrastructure, cleaning up blighted properties, streets and sidewalks. We should also solicit resident input on their priorities and collectively look at all these things to determine the best way to spend these funds to the city remains on good financial standing while making sure we are addressing the issues that are impacting the quality of life for city residents.
What will your priorities be if elected to the City Council?
My priorities as a City Councilmember are addressing the three quality of life issues that I hear about continually from residents; speeding, public safety and cleaning up our city.
What strengths will you bring to the council?
The strength that I bring to the Council is being accessible, available and being in touch with residents consistently, not just during election years. In addition, I am willing to ask difficult questions, I am an independent thinker, I listen with an open mind, and I base my votes on facts, without focusing on who introduced the legislation, ordinance or idea.
What do you see as Schenectady’s strengths, and how will you as an individual council member try to build upon them?
I see one of Schenectady’s strengths as the revitalization of downtown and its slowly going into the neighborhoods. It takes four votes to pass any legislation, therefore as an individual council member, I will vote to allocate resources that will help bring equity to the revitalization that is happening in the city, so it extends into the neighborhoods.
What about its weaknesses? What will be your plan of attack?
I see one of Schenectady’s weaknesses is the lack of maintenance of our roadways including potholes and snowplowing. Since the daily operation of the city is under the Mayor’s control, my method of dealing with this is bringing it to his attention and as he often requests, provide him the name of the resident who has a complaint or concern so city staff can address the problem.
What are your thoughts on funding the city received for downtown revitalization? Is it a good list and does it go far enough?
It is exciting that the city received the 10 million in DRI funds. There is a great list of projects that have enhanced downtown and the harbor while creating connectivity. I believe we should seek an equal amount of funding to invest in the neighborhoods throughout Schenectady, so the entire city gets much-needed improvements.
What do you think is the most important challenge facing the Schenectady Police Department and what solutions might you propose to meet this challenge?
I believe one of the most important challenges facing the Schenectady Police Department is the changes in what policing looks like due to societal changes and having to adapt to dealing with them. Police are now faced with issues that are not really law enforcement related such as mental health and drug overdoses. I propose we have to include training and have access to other agencies’ resources to deal with this.
There was quite a bit of infighting between the council this past year. What will your approach in terms of working as a cohesive unit? How will you seek to build consensus on the council?
I am hopeful that once we have a full Council this will address some of the negative interaction that currently takes place. I plan to continue to make sure that legislation that I bring to the table is focused on the issues and not personalities, I will reiterate to my fellow councilmembers that we are public servants and we work for the people.
What are your thoughts about the proposal to move Stockade homes out of the floodplain and up to higher ground?
As a resident of Schenectady since elementary school, I can remember classmates who lived in the Stockade having their homes flooded on a regular basis. Since this continues to be a problem, I agree with the plan to move homes out of the floodplain. While it is decided by the city the support of the plan from residents in the neighborhood definitely influenced my decision.
Is city government doing enough to help the neighborhoods? If not, what needs to happen?
I believe in participatory government, therefore, to support our neighborhoods I believe council members should attend neighborhood meetings and have conversations with residents who may not be a part of the formal group but have concerns and solutions. There should be a larger effort to include residents as part of the decision-making process when it comes to expending funds such as CDBG and we should make information public on changes in ordinance or legislation passed which will have significant impact upon our residents.
Incumbent Karen Zalewski-Wildzunas, four-year term
Zalewski-Wildzunas is a commercial associate real estate broker with Berkshire Hathaway Blake Realtors. She has served five years on the City Council. She has been a resident of the city for more than 30 years. She is married and has three adult children.
What do you propose Schenectady do to rebound from the pandemic?
We need to put a plan in place to address the issues with our roads, sidewalks, sewer and water systems. We have an aging system that needs to be addressed. We also need to focus on the parks and continue updating with improvements such as splash pads. We need to continue to address the areas that have not had attention such as Central Park. The old tennis courts and casino building need to be repurposed and the pool needs to be updated. We need additional lighting throughout the park. Central Park Music Haven attracts people from across the region to hear free music and we need to enhance the lighting for events such as these.
Our police and fire departments need to be fully staffed, we need to hire so that we can eliminate the excessive overtime and ensure that we are retaining staff and not overworking our officers. We need to continue community policing and look to hire mental health professionals to assist with nonviolent mental health calls. We should have additional training for all first responders on handling mental health calls.
How should the city use its stimulus money?
There will be specific rules on how these funds can be used. We will need to work with the mayor and city staff to identify what specific areas we can direct the funding to. We need to focus on the aging infrastructure, roads and invest in staff. We have not been fully staffed in most departments during the pandemic and we need to invest in staffing in all departments including the police, fire, law and general services so that all our services can be maintained, and we can serve the residents of the city.
What will your priorities be if elected to the City Council?
I will continue to focus on selling city properties. We have and continue to sell city-owned property with the main objective to sell to owner-occupied individuals. There have been numerous investors wanting to come to the city to rehab and resell or rent properties. This has and continues to be an excellent way to redevelop these properties, this helps to improve the neighborhoods and increase the value of all property in the city. We are approaching $2 million in sold properties so far this year.
Doreen Ditoro (two-year term)
Ditoro co-owns Rossi & Ditoro Funeral Home and has served as chair of the Little Italy Street Festival, and president of the Little Italy Business Association. She’s a longtime member of St. Anthony’s Church. Ditoro moved from Waterford to the city in 1985. She’s raised three daughters in Schenectady.
What do you propose Schenectady ‘do’ to rebound from the pandemic?
As we move closer to normalcy out of this pandemic, Schenectady must rebuild its infrastructure, both physically and with its human resources. To accomplish this, I believe a combination of hiring more staff and bringing in outside contractors is needed. I am a strong advocate for fully staffed police and fire to lessen the reliance on overtime. Furthermore, I propose a Community Engagement Unit and that mental health professionals are embedded within the department to accompany officers on non-violent mental health calls.
With the ‘Smart Cities’ deployment that has been ongoing for several years now, I believe that the city must get more aggressive in attracting small businesses to our city. I would like to work more closely with Metroplex and County officials to attract and promote more small businesses and homeowners. I would also like to open the lines of communication with the Schenectady City School District to see how the two bodies can work together because the school district is a major component to attracting young families to this city.
How should the city use its stimulus money?
The rules and regulations on how the City can spend its stimulus money have not yet been provided by the Federal government. Therefore, I will answer this question with that understanding. First, money should be used to fix city roads. There are roads that need to be repaved and others where just some pothole repairs are necessary. At the same time, some manholes act as potholes on many roads throughout the city; they should be raised so they are even with the street. The same can be said of street cutouts, which require enforcement by the city to ensure that National Grid, plumbers, and electricians repair cutouts properly.
Second, our parks are in general disrepair; they need attention and stronger investment.
What will your priorities be if elected to the City Council?
My priorities will be on quality-of-life issues, which is what my campaign is about. As I walk around Schenectady, I’ve experienced unwalkable sidewalks and seen a lot of trash and litter. Loud noise and music are major issues, particularly in the summer months. You take your life in your hands attempting to cross certain roads. If you are driving, you must wait once the traffic light turns green or risk getting hit by someone going through a red light. Speeding is rampant.
There are numerous houses in the city, some City-owned, others zombie houses, that are not maintained. These properties drag down neighborhoods and must be addressed.
I also strongly believe we must invest in our park system and create recreational opportunities for our youth, as well as expand or create Senior Centers in our Goosehill, Bellevue, and Hamilton Hill neighborhoods. We desperately need activities in the parks for our youth during the summer months. And I would strongly advocate for both new youth playground equipment and playground equipment for our seniors.
What strengths will you bring to the council?
I am a successful businesswoman, having owned Rossi & Ditoro Funeral Home for over 25 years. I am also a mother and grandmother. As such, I must manage my time effectively and efficiently. I am well-grounded in budgets, development, and management. However, one of the biggest strengths I will bring to the Council will be that I am hard-working, compassionate, honest, and above all, have integrity. In the funeral home business these are key attributes that, if you don’t have them, you will not be in business for very long.
What do you see as Schenectady’s strengths, and how will you as an individual council member try to build upon them?
Schenectady has many strengths, but I will concentrate on two. First, the people of Schenectady. We are a very diverse community. Diversity helps all of us learn about different cultures, traditions, and other points of view. Diversity gets our creative juices flowing because alternative ideas are brought to the table for discussion and debate.
Secondly, our geographic location is a strength. Geographically Schenectady is one of the most well-placed cities in the United States. We are less than 4 hours by car or plane to New York, Boston, Montreal, Toronto, Philadelphia, Washington, DC, Raleigh, NC, and Atlanta, just to name a few. We should be using this advantage to attract families and businesses.
What about its weaknesses? What will be your plan of attack?
One of Schenectady’s weaknesses is the lack of a communications specialist. Many in the community do not feel as if they are getting information. One aspect of this position would be to disseminate information to members of the community. There is also a lack of direct marketing from City Hall letting our residents and potential business owners, as well as people moving to Schenectady know all the good things that are happening here
A major issue is the level of poverty in Schenectady. As a City Council, we need to consider how we as a city can create workforce development programs, perhaps in conjunction with SUNY Schenectady, to address some of the real needs of employers, as well as train potential employees about basic workplace skills, and the physical tools necessary for jobs.
What are your thoughts on funding the city received for downtown revitalization? Is it a good list and does it go far enough?
The Downtown Revitalization Initiative Grant of $10 million that the city received had to be used in specific locations only. Unfortunately, most of the city’s neighborhoods did not fall into this zone.
As far as the projects that were chosen, I agree with most of the decisions. I would eventually like to see the Aquatic Center built as I believe it will be beneficial financially to the city and the County.
What do you think is the most important challenge facing the Schenectady Police Department and what solutions might you propose to meet this challenge?
The most important challenge facing the Schenectady Police Department is that they are understaffed. Understaffing has been an issue for 20 years or more. During the same time period, call volume has gone up. Understaffing prevents the Schenectady PD from enforcing the littering, traffic, and noise laws. Understaffing prevents the Schenectady PD from fully implementing a Community Engagement Unit to strengthen community relationships. Understaffing turns what should be a 3- to 6-minute response time into an hours-long wait, creating an atmosphere of frustration and anger Fully staffing the Schenectady Police Department would resolve these issues.
I will advocate for the number of training officers the police department has been increased from its current 1 to 3. Many of the issues that we have seen with policing around the country would be alleviated with training. I would also like to see programs such as Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion be fully implemented in the city and county to divert individuals to a community-based, harm-reduction intervention that is an intensive case-management program where individuals can receive a variety of support services such as transitional or permanent housing and drug treatment. Full staffing and programs like these will lead to a reduction in crime.
There was quite a bit of infighting between the council this past year. What will your approach in terms of working as a cohesive unit? How will you seek to build consensus on the council?
I bring an open mind to every issue and actively listen to ideas from my colleagues. I will bring this attitude to the Council and look to collaborate with my colleagues. However, I will always stand true to my principles and ethics and will do everything with integrity and honesty.
What are your thoughts about the proposal to move Stockade homes out of the floodplain and up to higher ground?
I do not believe that the chosen method is timely or cost-effective. The expense of building new streets, with grading, drainage and new infrastructure is considerably more expensive than other options. Furthermore, most, if not all, of the houses chosen to be moved are rental properties that, once moved, will be considerably more valuable for the property owners, resulting in a considerable profit for them at taxpayer’s expense.
Is city government doing enough to help the neighborhoods? If not, what needs to happen?
A lot of development has occurred in Schenectady within the neighborhoods. For example, the Mt. Pleasant Merchants Associations has received a grant to help renew the facades of businesses on Crane St. Yet more is needed. For example, I would like to see a focus on two of our entry points into the city: Broadway in Bellevue and Van Vranken Ave. in the Goose Hill neighborhood. There should be a real focus to clean up these entry points and to develop a business district or merchants association on both of these vital city streets. This could help attract new businesses to those neighborhoods, creating more vitality and pride in the neighborhoods.
I also believe strongly in hiring additional Code Enforcement staff to crack down on the properties that are bringing neighborhoods down. This would also necessitate the city properly maintaining city-owned properties and holding banks that own “Zombie” properties accountable.
Haileab Samuel (two-year term)
Samuel is an entrepreneur and chief executive officer of a tech services company. He’s on the board of the Schenectady Municipal Housing Authority and the city’s Housing Review Board. Samuel is married with two children.
What do you propose Schenectady ‘do’ to rebound from the pandemic?
The city needs to first assess the impact of COVID on all our residents. That assessment needs to be comprehensive in nature and include everything from the economic impact, structural impact as well the social and mental health impact on the various neighborhoods throughout the city. Without knowing the specific needs of every family in the communities, we must not paint the strategy for a rebound with a broad brush, but with a detail that allows us to address the varying needs to recover each neighborhood individually and collectively.
One immediate area of major concern is how to ensure that our kids rebound from two years of COVID learning. The city and school district will need to work together to implement fast track learning programs and initiatives that can help get the kids back to their appropriate levels to ensure that there is not long-term learning, social, and economic impacts for the generation of children that had to ensure the 2 years of learning in a COVID-19 environment.
Additionally, the city should collaborate with the private sector in some instances where the greater good would be better served by partnership. The pandemic highlighted some of the obstacles that are created when local governments neglect relationships with private sector stakeholders. As a result, they compromise pandemic/disaster readiness and response.
How should the city use its stimulus money?
The federal stimulus dollars are a welcome means to the end of an extremely challenging pandemic. The city should prioritize spending the funds in a way that solves immediate problems caused by the pandemic and those problems exposed by the pandemic, but also, we should think strategically about how these dollars can be reinvested through the creation of future business development/improvement opportunities for residents.
What will your priorities be if elected to the City Council?
In addition to working with the Mayor and City Council to continue the many great initiatives currently in progress and promoting a more responsive and accountable City Council that responds to the needs of our citizens, I will be focused on Education Equity, Economic Development & Empowerment, Housing for All and Safe City Initiatives.
What strengths will you bring to the council?
I bring over 17 years of executive leadership experience from roles held in large organizations like Xerox Corporation and General Electric. While at Xerox Corporation, I ran a Litigation Services operation consisting of 5 teams / 150 employees across 3 shifts operating 365 days per year. Revenue was $30M per year when I started but grew to $100M by the time I left in 2012. I was responsible for building operational efficiencies to support that growth and did so across all my teams. Over the past 6 years, I have built my own business, growing it from 5 employees to the 30 employees we have today. We implement software to help cities run their operations more efficiently which has given me expertise in Land Management, Licensing, Planning, Permitting, Asset Management, Code Enforcement, and Environmental Health. All of which will be instrumental in helping the city of Schenectady make decisions. Additionally, in all these past/current leadership roles I held budgetary responsibilities for large portfolios of business which will also be beneficial as I help the City Council set the budget each year.
What do you see as Schenectady’s strengths, and how will you as an individual council member try to build upon them?
Schenectady has a strong tax base of diverse residents with the common goal of making Schenectady a safe place to live and raise our children. We have several strong corporate anchors such as General Electric, Golub Corporation, and MVP Healthcare which attract new residents to the area. The city has great colleges like Union College, Clarkson, and Schenectady community college. The city also has a strong Information Technology sector with several tech companies that have been seeing tremendous growth over the past few years. There is also a lot of momentum fueling the city from the recent economic growth that we have seen pre-Covid19.
While on the council I will continue to promote homeownership opportunities to increase our strong diverse tax base. I will work to promote economic opportunities through job training and placement initiatives. I will look for opportunities to partner with Union, Clarkson, and Schenectady community college on ways to help increase/continue economic growth in the area. I will also work closely with the city school district to implement programs that begin preparing students for adulthood as early as ninth grade.
What about its weaknesses? What will be your plan of attack?
There are two weaknesses that are clear to me. The first has to do with education and the other equity in city resources. There are holes in the city’s education system that negatively impact certain students and we need to look for solutions that can be felt immediately. I think it will take a collective effort of parents, school board, and city leaders to ensure that these issues are addressed. We should work with the Superintendent and the school district to formulate a working plan that will systematically close the gaps that we have in the education process and ensure the education system is working for every student in the district.
The other issue is that it does not appear that every neighborhood has the same level of access to city resources such as snow removal. I do not know the immediate answer on how to solve this, but we should be able to look to other cities that have successfully implemented processes to ensure that services are equity afforded to all residents and adopt it into our operations.
What are your thoughts on funding the city received for downtown revitalization? Is it a good list and does it go far enough?
I am very happy that Schenectady received the $9.7M grant from the state as a part of the fourth round of the Governor’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative. This will allow the city to continue the momentum that started over 15 years ago and help us to recover from the slowdowns associated with the Covid19 pandemic. The purpose of the grant is to implement transformative public improvement, private development, and wayfinding projects within the downtown area. All in an effort to create a quality of life for residents of the city. There are 16 projects associated with the initiative that range from developing new housing units to growing the job base. It is expected that over 200 new jobs will be created because of this initiative. All of which will be great for the city. I believe the list or project funded by this grant is a good list with needed projects for the city. However, I would have liked to see more development on lower Albany Street and the State Street area closer to the MVP Health care location.
What do you think is the most important challenge facing the Schenectady Police Department and what solutions might you propose to meet this challenge?
Policing in the aftermath of the national cries for police reform fueled by the incident with George Floyd and doing so while trying to balance reform with a rise in the gun violence that has been plaguing the nation over the past several months. I believe the best way for SPD to meet this challenge is by focusing on improved community policing, implementing a Mental Health Division (with no guns), swiftly dealing with troubled officers.
Is city government doing enough to help the neighborhoods? If not, what needs to happen?
In 2004, when I first moved to Schenectady, there was not much happening downtown to attract people to the city. Since then, much has been done to revitalize downtown to make it a place that we can enjoy and benefit from as citizens but also to attract others to the city to enjoy much of what we have to offer from Proctor’s theatre to many fine restaurants, to the casino. This focus was strategic, and I believe the right place to start. We must now shift much of our focus to restoring and/or preserving all our neighborhoods with the same energy that we have placed in revitalizing downtown. Many of the same goals/initiatives that we have for downtown revitalization should be considered when thinking of the neighborhoods such as safe walkable streets, green areas and clean playgrounds for kids, safe smart lighting, and incentivized grants to help homeowners restore failing properties.
(Click on Link to see story in Full)
ONE COMMENT David Bianchi June 21st, 2021 This is a very well written piece by the Daily Gazette for the Seven candidates that are running for Schenectady City Council seats and asking them some important questions.
I would just like to add a couple things of my own to Anyone running for or in Public Office along with Any that should read my comment.
July 15, 2017 WASHINGTON — A federal investigation into a long-ago land deal by Senator Bernie Sanders’s wife (this story crossed my path, long-ago land deal investigated caught my eye)
Do you think? The City has the Right to (Threaten!) a Property Owner or in my case. Threaten me to sell them my Mom’s/ Families property cheaply to the City involving several lots on Barrett Street for a row of Townhouses that a private Developer Wanted to build after He Bought the Prior Luigis restaurant on Barrett Street at Tax Auction next to my Families Land. (In the Little Italy/Union College area of Schenectady.)
Along with Someone from City Hall Ordering American Tax Funding to return a Payment that was made in Full to the Out of State Tax lien company so that the City could do Eminent Domain on the Several Vacant lots with no buildings on them by calling the Vacant Lots (Blight) along with the City saying they were doing the Eminent Domain for unpaid Taxes! In which the City Couldn’t foreclose on for Unpaid Taxes because it would have given my Mother or I a chance to pay the Taxes. In which the Land that was Taken was Willed to my Mom from my Uncle that had passed and was in my Family for Over 100 Years!
Schenectady Gate!! Property Owning Rights!
There were also several more things that the City did wrong to my Family and I concerning other properties in the area/city.
The City Beat my Family and I Down Real Good! Properties that had No Mortgage on them.. Stolen by the City! Being Taken at a Price that They Thought Was Fair! Forcefully Taken!
All For a Row of Townhouses now being built called Barrett Village..
If Only I Could Get My Day in Court on this!
Accountability and The Truth Coming Out! Is That Too Much to Ask?
WHEN CREDIBILITY MATTERS SCHENECTADY New musical ‘The Right Girl’ to premiere at Proctors in the fall By Gazette Arts Staff | June 24, 2021 Louisette Geiss and Howard Kagan, pictured, co-wrote "The Right Girl." The music was written by Diane Warren.
This fall, Proctors is slated to host the world premiere of a new original musical about sexual harassment in Hollywood called “The Right Girl.”
With music by 12-time Academy Award Nominee Diane Warren and choreography by Tony Award-winner Susan Stroman, the show follows Eleanor Stark, who becomes the Chief Creative Officer of film and television studio Ambrosia Productions, and works side by side with some of the most powerful men in the industry, one of whom has been abusing women all along.
Co-written by Louisette Geiss and Howard Kagan, “The Right Girl” is based on Geiss’s experiences in Hollywood. She worked as a screenwriter until 2008 when she said she was sexually harassed by Harvey Weinstein. Since 2017, Geiss has spoken out about her experiences and worked to empower other survivors of sexual harassment to tell their stories.
Performances are slated to run for four weeks, from Oct. 13 to Nov. 10, at 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays. Capacity will be limited to 700 people per performance.
It’s one of three shows that will hold technical rehearsals at Proctors during the fall, though it’s the only one that the public will get to see this year. “Hadestown” and “Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations” will rehearse from Sept. 9 to Oct. 2 and Nov. 11 to Dec. 4 respectively.
“One of the dreams of the Proctors Collaborative was that the mix of theatrical and musical facilities and capabilities would attract new and different opportunities within the world of the theater,” said Phillip Morris Proctors Collaborative CEO. “Howard Kagan and Tom Smedes are first-class producers who found just what they needed as they worked with us: a great building, a welcoming community and an audience based both at Proctors and at the Rep interested and anxious to support new work. We are excited to host this world premiere. We hope to do so well that we can leverage continuing new relationships with the industry’s major players.”
“The Right Girl” is directed by Stroman and the cast includes Alysha Umphress, Ramin Karimloo, Paige Faure, Adam Jacobs, J. Elaine Marcos, Steve Rosen, and Syndee Winters.
Proctors and Capital Repertory Theatre subscribers will be given priority access to tickets in advance of non-subscribers. The ticket on-sale date has not yet been announced. For more information visit proctors.org.
ONE COMMENT David Bianchi June 25th, 2021 Gee, what a thing to do a musical on.. Maybe they should do a musical on a Developer going through the City to Forcefully Take Property for a Row of Townhouses! They Could Call It, “We Will Just Go Through The City and Take It!” Barrett Street/Barrett Village! Google Schenectady Gate!!
SCHENECTADY Candidates of color well represented in Tuesday’s primary results By Brian Lee | June 26, 2021 Pictured in front of Schenectady City Hall on Friday are, from left, Dammoni Farley, Jamaica Miles, Marion Porterfield and Carl WIlliams. PHOTOGRAPHER: PETER R. BARBER
SCHENECTADY — The majority of Tuesday’s city voters gave the nod to four people of color in the primary races for City Council last week, and those candidates are poised to take office barring any change in results from absentee voting which begins Monday. One white incumbent councilperson did not make the cut.
Incumbents Marion Porterfield and John Mootooveren, along with candidate Damonni Farley, campaigned together and held off Karen Zalewski-Wildzunas in the race for full, four-year terms on the council.
Porterfield and Farley are Black; Mootooveren is Guyanese. Zalewski-Wildzunas is white.
In the three-person race for a pair of vacated seats with two years remaining, Carl Williams, a Black candidate, and Doreen Ditoro, who’s white, are leading, candidate Haileab Samuel, who is Black, is in third place.
The uncounted absentee ballots could change the outcome after all ballots are counted. The Board of Elections said the last day they will accept ballots is Tuesday.
The Schenectady County Board of Elections reported that the city’s two-county legislative districts had issued 540 absentee ballots, of which it received 230.
Those additional votes could be crucial — 50 votes separate Williams and Ditoro, and 41 separate Samuel and Ditoro.
On top of the diverse field at the City Council level, Omar Sterling McGill, a 31-year-old Black candidate who’s a staffer in the state Senate, resoundingly defeated his white opponent, 22-year-old Siena College student Brendan Savage, in the District 1 County Legislature race here.
However, Savage held an advantage on the Working Families Party line, which resulted in sparse voter turnout.
The racial composition of the elected bodies was a recurring topic throughout the process.
In December, a month prior to resigning from the City Council to move to Saratoga Springs, Leesa Perazzo wrote an opinion piece pleading with city Democrats to appoint a person of color to her seat.
Perazzo, who works at Proctors, said time after time she sat in the room and witnessed “qualified people of color” denied in their respective bids for an endorsement from city Democrats.
The reasons varied, she said, from “it’s not your time yet” to “you need to do some more work before we endorse you.”
Specifically, Perazzo mentioned that Farley failed to garner an endorsement despite having recognition from a previous bid for council and being highly regarded in the community.
Perazzo said the committee instead chose Councilwoman Carmel Patrick, a white woman whom Perazzo said she viewed as less qualified.
“That year really made me sick to my stomach,” Perazzo said, adding that the feeling was duplicated when county Democrats endorsed Savage, “the former chair of the county legislature’s white male son.”
Perazzo said she sat at her kitchen counter and cried when Tuesday’s results were tallied.
“People supported what they knew was right and I was very touched by that and very impressed with how hard everybody worked, and it just was historic,” she said.
Schenectady NAACP branch president Rev. Nicolle Harris said Tuesday’s results appeared to suggest that voters favored the candidates they see out in the community, such as Farley’s community activism, and Porterfield, with her community cleanups among other efforts.
The early election results appear to signal a changing of the guard since voters apparently rejected at least two of the Democrats’ endorsed candidates, Zalweski-Wildzunas and Savage, Harris said.
The activist group All of Us said the advancement of the five candidates of color was a collective “no” vote for the status quo.
“The people are making their voices heard in the voting booth,” said All of Us co-founder Jamaica Miles, a Black woman who was recently elected to the Schenectady City School District school board.
“If we continue at this pace, we’re looking at the potential for the greatest number of Black people to be elected in a single year ever in the city and county of Schenectady,” Miles said.
Miles challenged the characterization of “minority candidates” gaining steam.
“We are part of the global majority,” she said. “The idea that people of color in elected office end up being a numerical minority is because it’s on purpose. The Democratic Party in Schenectady has intentionally pushed out candidates of color in previous years. It has denied them endorsements in previous years to keep good the nepotism and culture of white male dominance as the norm.”
But city Democratic Committee chairman Tom Bellick said the diversity reflected in the committee’s endorsements was unprecedented. It endorsed all three incumbents, and Samuel and Williams.
“I was very proud of that,” Bellick said. “We never had that many endorsed people of color at one time. That’s a wonderful thing. The voters have spoken. We still have four candidates of color and a white woman [Ditoro], too, so I don’t think it’s a big shock.
“We have a great group of candidates that we presented to the voters and we have a great group of candidates to bring to the general election in November,” he said.
Farley, a community activist who works as director of community outreach for the Schenectady City School District, spoke of his experience talking to voters.
It would be impossible, he said, to get elected in Schenectady merely off of what he said was the Black vote.
“When they have a genuine, qualified candidate that happens to be a Black man, I think that people understand that there’s value in representation. People resonated more with my ideology than identity,” he said.
Born and raised in the city, Farley said he’s worked in the community long before he had any interest in a political position. People seemed to notice.
He was pleased to have earned votes from people who didn’t necessarily agree with all his stances, he said
For instance, Farley has been outspoken about how the city goes about revitalization. He said the approach should be to hire companies and people that are rooted in Schenectady, ensuring inhabitants are gainfully employed while money circulates in the community.
He said it troubles him to see people from outside the county here for $40- and $50-per-hour jobs while city residents use bus transfers to get to minimum-wage jobs.
But not everyone agreed, Farley said. Some hold the view that revitalization benefits the city regardless of how it occurs.
Despite the difference of opinion, Farley said many voters told him he had their vote because he appeared to be honest and would move forward with transparency.
Meantime, Mayor Gary McCarthy said he endorsed Samuel and Zalewski-Wildzunas, the only two candidates who asked for his support.
McCarthy said the candidates as a whole were well-qualified, held different strengths and weaknesses, and that he observed that the contests boiled down to personality rather than issues of policy.
He cautioned against reducing the competition to racial backgrounds.
“It’s people who are qualified to do the job and you have a good slate of candidates, good-quality individuals who were up there, and I look forward to working with them as we go forward,” McCarthy said.
The Republican party is running Kevin Hammer, Vivian Parsons and Brendan Nally. The GOP is not generally viewed as a political force in the city.
More from The Daily Gazette: Beer, wine, liquor stores continue strong sales even as pandemic eases Amsterdam High School graduates celebrate a challenging final year together New GM of Rivers Casino has extensive resume at casinos across nation and beyond BLM, LGBTQ+ activists call for equality at Schenectady protest 26-year-old stabbed in Saratoga, multiple gunshots fired Categories: News, Schenectady County
ONE COMMENT David Bianchi June 27th, 2021 My question would be.. (To Any Law Makers!!) When Do the Needs of the City Outweigh the Crime!?? Downtown Revitalization! God Bless Joe Allen! I Salute Him for being the Only Council Member at the Time to Vote Against the Wrongdoings of the City Taking Property from One So That Another Could Profit From It! Along with Threats from Lawyers! From Lawyers! That We Will Just Go Through The City and Take It! Eminent Domain! On Vacant Lots with No Buildings on Them! Calling Them Blight! Improper Ordering of Paid in Full Taxes to be returned so that The City Could Add That to the Reasons of Why They Were Taking the Wanted Properties! Yet, The City Could Not Foreclose on For Unpaid Taxes! All for a Row of Townhouses that a Developer Wanted to Build that is Now Being Built! Oh God, Help Me Find a Lawyer or a Person that Will Help Me in Getting Proper Representation! Schenectady Gate!! Barrett Street/Barrett Village! Townhouses Priced at Starting at $260,000.00 Each!
All i'm getting out of this, is that it really doesn't matter who gets voted in....THEY ARE GOING TO SPEND 'BIG BUCKS'.....as usual! Sounds like they are just reshuffling the corrupt deck!!
My Bet Would Be Because This Particular Story Reaches Far Out Further Then Others Gazette Stories To Other By Showing Other Municipalities About Budgeting!
They Want My Story To Stay in Schenectady! It Getting Out More Can Only Be More Of A PROBLEM FOR THEM!!!
WHY?? BECAUSE THEY ARE GUILTY!!!
NOT ONLY GUILTY OF CRIMES AND LAND STEALING! BUT, ALSO OF A MASS COVER UP!!!
INCLUDING, LAWYERS!! THE COURTS!! AND GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS!!! Along WITH THE LOCAL NEWS!!!
WHEN CREDIBILITY MATTERS SCHENECTADY Independent auditor issues ‘clean report’ for Schenectady By Brian Lee | June 7, 2021 19SchenectdyCityHall.jpg Share1FacebookTweetEmail SCHENECTADY – An independent auditor on Monday gave city leaders “an unmodified opinion” of its review of financial statements, the highest level of assurance the company could give.
“It’s considered a clean report, no reportable issues and no findings,” John Tafilowski of Cusack & Co. told the City Council’s Finance Committee of his company’s draft audit result concerning the fiscal year that ended Dec. 31.
The company spent three week’s reviewing the city’s financial records, and Tafilowski went line by line of key elements.
During a pandemic-plagued 2020, the city’s general fund, the chief operating fund, spent $84 million, resulting in a deficiency of $3.7 million. Most departments were within budget because of efficient operations, with the exception of transportation, which was over budget by $81,000 due to a big, late-year storm.
Its water fund had a surplus of $890,000, its sewer fund was deficient $167,600, while its recreation fund had a surplus of $149,000.
Grants and other revenue funds were deficient $155,000, while capital projects had an overall deficiency of $17.6 million, primarily because of bonding received in previous years, combined with the city expending the money on capital projects this year, Tafilowski said.
The city complied in all material respects with requirements that could have a direct and material effect on all of its major federal programs, and it had no deficiencies in controls over compliance of material weaknesses, the auditor said.
In April, Standard & Poors affirmed the city’s general obligation bond rating of A, with a stable outlook. In January, Moody’s Investor Services affirmed the city’s general obligation bond rating of AAA.
The city’s expenditures of $84.5 million exceeded revenues of $80.8 million.
As a consequence, the mayor instituted a hiring freeze at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, and the mayor and finance commissioner cut overtime in its entirety, while non-personnel budget lines were reduced 20%, to control costs.
The transportation department was over budget by $81,483, largely because of a Dec. 17 storm in which more than 30 inches of snow fell on the city.
Also, in February 2020, the city settled a contract with the Police Benevolent Association, at an increase of $1.6 million.
Operational revenue fell short of the budget amount by $4.8 million, including a prior year tax lien collection that fell short by $942,000. Interest and penalties on property taxes was under budget by $773,000. Interest and penalties were waived by the city for for much of the year.
Also, projected revenue from the Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady fell short by $1.5 million due to pandemic closures, the auditor said, and state aid revenue fell short by $560,000. Property sales fell short by $368,000.
On the other hand, sales tax revenue exceeded the budget of $13.2 million by $117,000, and an audit of the city’s energy bills resulted in a net prior year refund of $598,000, the auditor said.
The general fund called for the combined use of $5.7 million in reserve funds and unassigned funds, of which the city used $3.6 million.
The fund balance of reserves on Dec. 31 was $10.7 million, with $2.7 million in restricted funds, Tafilowski said.
“We feel, overall, that management does a really good job maintaining their reserves,” he said.
The city’s proportionate share of net pension liability for retired city employees was $12.2 million, nearly quadruple from a liability of $3.3 million in 2019.
Similarly, the city’s proportionate share of net pension liability for police and firefighters soared to $43.2 million, from $14.6 million in 2019.
Tafilowski attributed the increases to the market being in “the tank” at the time of the valuations in March 2020.
Meantime, the city’s combined “other post employment benefits” increased $42 million, to $332 million.
Tafilowski called the net pension liabilities and post employment benefits “paper liabilities” that are not funded.
Councilman John Polimeni thanked Commissioner of Finance & Administration Anthony Ferrari and his team for “another excellent audit result.”
“We have a hardworking team here and they do a really good job” of multiple reviews of city finances, Ferrari replied.
Once the audit is complete, Cusack & Co. will send a management representation letter for Ferrari to sign, and then the City Council would vote. If approved, the firm would then send the representation letter to the federal government.
Categories: News, Schenectady County
6 COMMENTS David Bianchi June 9th, 2021 The government can only acquire private lands if it is reasonably shown that the property is to be used for public purpose only.
Log in to Reply David Bianchi June 9th, 2021 I Want to Remind You. When the Government Makes Laws. They Are Very Careful of the Words They Use.
There is a Major Difference in the Words Can and May that they have both Used when Making Laws!!
Again, The Law As Written! (The government can only acquire private lands if it is reasonably shown that the property is to be used for public purpose only.)
I’m Not Sure How Many Laws The City Had Broken! More Then One I Assure You!
Publicly No Less!
Log in to Reply David Bianchi June 9th, 2021 Lord, Please, if Only I Could Be Given a Proper Day in Court with Proper Representation to Present All of The Evidence to Show What The City of Schenectady had Unleashed Upon My Mother and I with a String of Wrongdoings and What it Did to My Family and I With These Wrongdoings! (All For a Row of Townhouses?)
Log in to Reply David Bianchi June 10th, 2021 (To Gazette Editor, This Comment Has No Letter From Glen in it! Why Would This Comment Be Removed
Do I Need to Remove Some Part of This Comment?
So is that why the City was so desperate approx.15 years ago and Had to Make THREATS and Make Improper Use of LAWS ILLEGALLY TO AQUIRE LAND ON BARRETT STREET!
The government can only acquire private lands if it is reasonably shown that the property is to be used for public purpose only. I Want to Remind You. When the Government Makes Laws. They Are Very Careful in the Words They Use.
There is a Major Difference in the Words Can and May that they have both Used when Making Laws!!
Again, The Law As Written! (The government Can only acquire private lands if it is reasonably shown that the property is to be used for public purpose only.)
I’m Not Sure How Many Laws The City Had Broken to Acquire that Land! More Then One I Assure You!
Publicly No Less!
(Letter from My Mom’s and My Then Lawyer Glen ….) August 14, 2018
To Whom It May Concern
Please be advised that I have represented David Bianchi in numerous matters concerning properties in the City of Schenectady.
A number of years ago I was approached by an attorney who asked if Mr. Bianchi was willing to sell a property on Barrett Street, as a development project was planed I responded with his asking price, which admittedly was high taking into account the planed use of the property, the attorney replied “That’s ok, we’ll just have the City take it.” Subsequently, an abandonment proceeding was commenced by the City of Schenectady, which the property was found to be abandoned despite the fact Mr. Bianchi continually used the property for storage and building inspector admitted he had never been inside the property. Exhibits have subsequently misplaced by the Court.
Later, Mr. Bianchi attempted to pay back taxes on another property which was in the name of another family member. After submitting the payment in full to American Tax Funding. ATF returned the payment and indicated that they had been directed by the City of Schenectady to return same as Mr. Bianchi was not the proper payer. This was done despite the fact that the City frequently takes payments from other entities for tax payments. It was clear that the City simply wished to seize the property for back taxes, and even the representative of ATF stated they had never seen that situation before.
Mr. Bianchi owned another property that was foreclosed on and a judgment of foreclosure entered. Subsequently, the mortgagee ex parte requested that the judgment be vacated, a fire later occurred at an adjoining property necessitating the demolition of an structure on Mr. Bianchi’s property. The City later sought to recover the significant demolition cost from Mr. Bianchi, despite the fact he had been divested of to the by the foreclosure proceeding, and knew nothing of what happened subsquently.
It appears that Mr. Bianchi’s Civil rights have been violated by the City of Schenectady on a number of occasions. It is unclear why he became a target of the City, but he clearly was.
Sincerely yours, Glen
(I Removed Glen’s Last Name to Hopefully Make the Gazette OK With Me Posting This Letter In Full)
My Fight on Barrett St./Barrett Village wasn’t about the Money so much.. That Probably Could Have Been Negotiated.. Just When People of Power or Wealth Think They Can Bully Someone Around and Take What They Want and Pay What They Think is FAIR! Not for Low Income Housing or a School or a Hospital or a Major Needed Roadway, or Anything that would Produce Long Term Jobs. Mind You.. For Townhouses Selling for $260,000.00 each! Along With The City Doing Eminent Domain on Vacant Lots with No Buildings on Them Calling Them Blight! Ya, I Will Fight to The End! The Funny Thing is I Was Never Told By Any Lawyer That I Was Wrong! Just That It Would Take Time and Money Was Needed to Fight! Well, Being Having No Money and Just this Keyboard.. Again, nothing Compared to someone Brutally Killing Someone. Yet, still a Burn and Certainly had it’s Effect.
Lord, Please, if Only I Could Be Given a Proper Day in Court with Proper Representation to Present All of The Evidence to Show What The City of Schenectady had Unleashed Upon My Mother and I with a String of Wrongdoings and What it Did to My Family and I With These Wrongdoings! (All For a Row of Townhouses?)
Sorry, I Copy and Pasted Wrong There. Surely, This Paper Recognizes Freedom of Speech? I’m not sure Why the Comment that had No Letter from Glen it Removed? Or what part in that comment needs to be removed? Along, with What Part of the Letter from Glen Bothered You? I Would still like to be able to post parts of that letter should I feel they might partially fit in to a story or the comment I am making. I did remove Glen’s last name from the letter.
Log in to Reply David Bianchi June 10th, 2021 (To the Editor, I removed some things from this comment. Trying to make it more acceptable.)
I Know that there are Many People in the City that are Hard Working, Honest People! My Father and His Family Was From Barrett Street! 1890’s Came to Barrett Street from Italy. Grandfather Served in WW1 My Uncle Served in WW2 It Was Their Land that was Willed to my Mom that the City Improperly Took! With The Politicians Saying My Mom and I Didn’t Care About Barrett Street! Ah, Politicians! I UNDERSTAND They Are To Fight For The City! I Can Respect That! But, To Abuse the Power and Law that is Given Them!?? The Courts Say How They Want Someone That Has Done Wrong to Show Accountability! The Things They Said To My Mother and I Publicly No Less! In The Newspaper! We Loved Barrett Street! Yes, We Were Having a Rough Time 15 Years also in the City! We Invested Every Penny We Had in Rental Property in the City then! Before, There was Metroplex! We even did a Complete Rehab on a Couple of Rentals then. Complete Gut Outs! New Roofs, Siding, Sheetrock, Electrical and Plumbing. That Can Leave You Broke Too! Again, that was Before Metroplex.. Before, Metroplex, Nobody Was Investing in Schenectady!! They Had to Pay People to Come Here! Yes, We Were Having Trouble Keeping Up with the High Taxes Too! The City Was Even Selling it’s Property Tax Liens to American Tax Funding! Which ATF Charged the Property Owners High Interest for the Liens. In Return, ATF gave Property Owners 5 Years to Pay! And Many People Had to Take Advantage of That so to speak.. The Things They said About Us! Being Irresponsible Tax Payers! Saying Anything Bad. So, They Could Take Our Property! After Two Separate Threats! First Threat, We Will Just Go Through the City and Take it! After they Took One Property. The Lawyers said, Well, Do You Want to Sell Us the Others Properties? That’s OK. We Will Just Go Through the City and Take Them Too! Accountability and an Apology Would Be Nice! Wrongful Taking of Land for a Row of Townhouses No Less! Vacant Lots With No Buildings on Them! That I Kept Mowed! Calling Them Blight! First with an Abandonment trial on the House that was in my Family for Over a 100 Years! Along with the City Illegally/Wrongfully Ordering Paid Taxes to Be sent Back! When in those Days that is Why the City Sold the Tax Liens to ATF Because So Many Were Not Paying Their Property Taxes! And The City Couldn’t Afford to Take Over Any More Properties! I Have Solid Evidence including Paper Work and Witnesses to Show What I Am Saying is Not Just Hear Say.
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
WHEN CREDIBILITY MATTERS SCHENECTADY Two tales of one city: Downtown Schenectady reviving, languishing By John Cropley | July 3, 2021 Downtown Schenectady on State Street in Schenectady is seen on Thursday, July 1, 2021. PHOTOGRAPHER: ERICA MILLER
Share1FacebookTweetEmail SCHENECTADY — State Street in downtown Schenectady sometimes feels like it’s rebounding from the pandemic, as groups of unmasked people stroll to crowded restaurants and bars.
Other times it feels as if pandemic restrictions are still in effect, with throngs of theatergoers and clusters of office workers conspicuously absent from downtown sidewalks.
The contrast is especially vivid for those who remember the cycles the area has gone through, from a peak in the 1950s to a nadir in the 1990s and a rebirth in recent years.
A consensus among those who govern, develop property and run businesses in downtown Schenectady is that its vibrancy depends on large numbers of people wanting to live, work and play there.
Efforts to lure new residents have been successful and continue. Recreation is mixed: Restaurants and bars are reopened and busy, but Proctors is shuttered. And the ranks of people working in downtown offices each day remain greatly reduced.
“You have to get people’s confidence up so they’re not afraid to go out,” Mayor Gary McCarthy said. “They’re starting to come back now and that’s encouraging.”
He threw in a plug for people to get their COVID vaccine if they haven’t already. Schenectady County is tied for the highest adult vaccination rate among the state’s 62 counties, but downtown Schenectady draws visitors from beyond county lines.
Redburn Development Partners principal Jeff Buell, one of the most visible and tireless proponents of downtown revitalization in the past decade, said the summer of 2020 was a discouraging time.
“One of the toughest things about the pandemic from a business sense is that we, everybody, spent the better part of 10 years building up the concept of walkable downtowns, and it was working,” he said.
Schenectady County Metroplex Development Authority Chairman Ray Gillen uses the term “people generators” — institutions that bring people downtown and generate foot traffic.
Proctors, which was drawing more than 600,000 patrons each year, doesn’t expect to be back to normal for nearly a year. MVP Health Care, which had 900 employees on State Street before the pandemic, is gradually bringing workers back to the office but is still deciding what its reimagined workplace model will look like. No reopening date has been set for the once-busy Schenectady YMCA.
“Not having Proctors, not having the foot traffic [from employers], that’s a problem,” Gillen said. “Our parking revenue is way down.”
David Buicko, CEO of Galesi Group, a major downtown developer and manager of office and commercial space, said the biggest hole is the performing arts center that hosted 3,000 events in 2019.
“As Proctors goes, so does downtown,” Buicko said.
LINGERING OBSTACLES CEO Philip Morris said Proctors has survived by cutting expenses to the bone and by having a huge amount of community support.
It takes $330,000 a month to cover utilities, insurance and salaries for a skeleton staff. About 1,900 donors have provided roughly $3 million so far to get Proctors through the crisis.
It recently announced a series of teching residencies — in which theater companies set up shop to work out the technical production details before taking a show on the road.
“I would think it’s fair to say with a year and a half of being closed we have atrophied,” Morris said. “Regaining our muscle is what the rest of 2021 is going to be like.
“We’re not going to be open seven days a week for some time.”
Revenue from the teching will allow Proctors to rebuild its staff, and having a staff will allow it to rebuild its schedule. The gate pulled down on the State Street entrance should be up full-time starting in spring 2022, Morris said.
However, there won’t be 3,000 events in that first year back.
Like millions of other American women, Puzzles Cafe owner Sara Mae Pratt suddenly found herself in an unforeseeable bind in March 2020: The child care she’d been relying on to continue her career after becoming a mother suddenly vanished.
Between that and the governor putting the state on pause, shutting down Puzzles was the inevitable result.
“It’s a balancing act and I don’t think there’s any reason to hide it,” Pratt said of herself and her fellow working mothers. “We’ve been through a lot and I think we should be proud.”
Her decision to shut down and stay shut down was not easy — the cafe was a calling as much as a business for her, offering employment and public acceptance to developmentally disabled people who may have had little experience with either.
Pratt worries about them now.
“These are folks who are already kind of isolated by nature,” she said. “It’s a terribly difficult time. My heart goes out to all of them.”
Tara Kitchen owner Aneesa Waheed kept her Moroccan restaurants in Schenectady and Troy going strong through adaptation. She opened a third location in Guilderland and — on May 11 — opened a fourth location in Wildwood, N.J.
Her plans to open a hammam, or Moroccan-style day spa, are another matter. Conversion of the landmark Weigh Station off Broadway came to an abrupt halt before it really started.
“We’re slowly starting to pick up the pieces and start that project again,” Waheed said. “It’s hard to make a decision on that size of investment not completely knowing how people are going to behave in the next 12 to 24 months. And hammam is such an intimate setting.”
Her experiences in the year of COVID are unique in their details but common in their impact. Many entrepreneurs in the restaurant/hospitality field likely voiced some variation of what she said: “I feel like last year I probably worked the hardest in my whole life for very little return.”
Buicko said Galesi Group had to work with some of its struggling retail tenants, but its office space was leased to companies that paid their rent even as their offices were depopulated.
The important question in the longer-term outlook for downtown is whether those tenants will continue to need as much space and continue to station as many people in it full-time.
That’s the topic of intense speculation and debate in the real estate industry now, and some expect the business world to emerge from the pandemic with a flexible hybrid of remote and in-person workplaces that doesn’t require as much floor space or generate as much life in the surrounding community.
“I’m guessing people are going to use this summer as a way to continue to work remotely,” Buicko said. “Hopefully after this summer you’re going to see a lot more people coming back to the office.”
Buicko can’t guess what the new normal will look like. He’s worked through a few recessions in the past 40 years. They’re not pleasant, but they’re predictable and can be manageable.
Not so with COVID-19.
“It’s one of the most monumental events in our lifetime,” he said. “Hopefully we don’t see anything like it again.”
ENDURING OPTIMISM State Street from Washington Avenue to Lafayette Street is a high-traffic, high-visibility zone that has seen a nine-figure public-private investment in the past two decades.
“Downtown Schenectady” also stretches down side streets in either direction, but this strip is the heart of downtown.
And as of July 1, there are roughly two dozen vacant or idle storefronts along that 0.6-mile strip. Several of them are so new they aren’t even finished; others are old and faded. But the majority are vacant for reasons other than COVID-19.
Even as they sit vacant, a large number of projects are underway downtown, boosted by $10 million in state funds granted in 2019 through the Downtown Revitalization Initiative but not finalized until May 2021.
Gillen at Metroplex placed the combined budgets of downtown projects now underway at $53 million, from a rebuild of South Church Street to construction of a new apartment building at 501 State St.
The greatly increased base of rental housing downtown helps offset the still-weak office and entertainment sectors, Gillen said.
He predicts a large percentage of workers will return to their offices, if only because their company cultures require that sort of in-person interaction.
The Jahnel Group falls squarely within that category. The software developer cultivates a strong team culture and had just finished building an exciting workplace when it had to go remote for the better part of a year.
Now, about 40 to 50 of the 75 local employees are on site each day, CEO Darrin Jahnel said, and “there’s an energy in the building and it really is enjoyable.”
A permanently remote workforce isn’t an option Jahnel wants to pursue, as it would dilute the culture and energy. Downtown would suffer if enough companies take that route, he added.
Instead, the company is likely to mandate at least a partial return to the office, he said.
Buicko at Galesi Group said many employers are in decent shape now, with the possible exception of not being able to hire enough employees.
“The good news is that those businesses that were strong were able to survive, those businesses that were creative were able to survive it,” he said.
Mayor McCarthy said the Zoom and Webex meetings ubiquitous during the pandemic lack the personal interaction needed for problem-solving and networking.
“I think it’s going to come back,” he said of office culture.
With the pandemic on the wane, SUNY Schenectady County Community College is planning to bring its students and staff to three separate locations downtown: the main campus at the foot of State Street; the new Confections Lab in the Mill Lane Artisan District; and the new Gaming Center in Center City.
“We are excited to welcome our students and community back to campus this fall, after having already welcomed our staff back to campus full time this summer,” President Steady Moono said via email. “We will also have a full complement of Workforce Development courses this fall.”
Transfinder CEO Antonio Civitella, who built his company’s headquarters in the heart of downtown, is keeping its workforce remote for now because summer recess is the busiest time for Transfinder’s main business line, school bus routing software.
“We can’t afford even a day’s disruption, so we are going to wait until the summer ends,” he said.
When that point comes, Civitella has a different problem: He expanded his Schenectady-based workforce from 70 to 100 during the pandemic, too many to fit on-site.
It’s a good problem to have, as problems go. He plans to expand into the next-door building he bought three years ago, which until recently was home to a Subway shop.
“I’ve invested in Schenectady. I’m going to continue to invest in Schenectady. It’s going to come back,” Civitella said. “It’s not going to come back like it was. It’ll come back different.”
So he needs not just a Plan B but a Plan C. Nonetheless, his optimism is unshaken at this point.
“I have a lot of faith that our region is going to come back stronger than it was before,” Civitella said.
Architect and developer J.T. Pollard was buffeted by the pandemic, which delayed completion of his Mill Lane Artisan District project and closed the taproom at Frog Alley Brewing.
But the $43.5 million Mill Lane project is complete and almost entirely occupied, and Frog Alley is now attracting regular crowds with its live music indoors and summer concerts outdoors.
Pollard doesn’t have a next project just yet — plans need to be thought through in a post-COVID context that isn’t known yet, then financing secured. But there will be a next project. “I see good things happening in the future,” he said.
The live-work-play model is critical to downtown, Pollard said. The Frog Alley taproom, and the restaurants next door and the offices and apartments upstairs, contribute to and benefit from this sort of ecosystem. Conversely, the ecosystem suffers when live or work or play are diminished.
Success, Pollard said, is when people say, “Let’s go to Schenectady” the way he said “Let’s go to Saratoga” when he was younger. Drive there and park, assured that there’ll be something to see and do when they arrive.
“I think we’re all dependent on each other,” Pollard said.
Buell at Redburn Development said downtown Schenectady remains strong as a whole even as individual pieces struggle and the live-work-play strategy has fallen out of balance.
“It’s an incredible combination of things that are down there,” he said. “The ‘work’ is really the unknown. Offices provide the foot traffic. So you need to have the office market to be strong for everything to be healthy.”
The unknown future of in-person office space is not enough to change Buell’s mind about the viability of downtown.
“I’m more bullish on Schenectady now than I was before the pandemic.”
Todd Garofano, executive director of the visitor promotion agency Discover Schenectady County, said activity is ramping up downtown and elsewhere, with everything from hotel bookings to weddings to sports tournaments on the rise.
“Since the restrictions have started to be lifted it’s really gotten busy,” he said.
“We’re definitely seeing a strong comeback. We’ve been out with our marketing campaign focusing on [people living within] three to three and a half hours, trying to get out the message that Schenectady County is a safe place.”
Discover Schenectady is taking a page from the playbook used by Lake George and Lake Placid, highlighting outdoor attractions and events so as to reach those worried about any lingering risk of infection indoors.
And what of the cold-weather months, when activity moves indoors: Can Schenectady keep the momentum alive?
“If everything holds the way it is now with the pandemic, yes,” Garofano said.
Proctors reopened its office about four weeks ago and is advertising to fill vacancies as it comes back to life. Morris said the performing arts center hasn’t been entirely idle — there were blood drives, it was used as a rehearsal space and the broadcast studio was active, among other things.
“The building was closed to its normal use but was not closed, and has been quite busy in fact recently,” he said.
The street beyond Proctors’ door is getting busier as well.
“I’m amazed at the places that are still open and have reopened,” Morris said. “I think our hotel industry is finally coming back a little bit.
“Downtown feels better today than six months ago.”
For those still shuttered, there is time for planning.
Puzzles owner Pratt said she’ll be starting almost from scratch — the cafe doesn’t even have a phone number anymore. Renting out her commercial kitchen has been a welcome source of income but hasn’t brought the cafe any closer to reopening.
“It’s not the kind of situation where you can just flip a switch and come back in a few days,” she said.
Pratt’s 3-year-old son recently resumed attending school. He’s gone only a few hours a day, but it’s enough that she can begin reimagining what she wants Puzzles to be: less factory-farmed goods and single-use plastic, perhaps, or a greater coffee selection, or a smaller menu, or more plant-based food.
“I think there’s a lot of changes moving forward that you can expect from us,” Pratt said.
Her goal is to debut them at an April 2022 reopening.
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4 COMMENTS David Bianchi July 4th, 2021 Great Story and Some Beautiful quotes Here!
The contrast is especially vivid for those who remember the cycles the area has gone through, from a peak in the 1950s to a nadir in the 1990s and a rebirth in recent years.
For those still shuttered, there is time for planning.
Puzzles owner Pratt said she’ll be starting almost from scratch — the cafe doesn’t even have a phone number anymore. “It’s not the kind of situation where you can just flip a switch and come back in a few days,” she said. “I think there’s a lot of changes moving forward that you can expect from us,” Pratt said. Her goal is to debut them at an April 2022 reopening. (Very Inspiring!) Thank You!
Best of Luck to You Honey ! Along with All the Other Businesses in and around the Area!
“I’m more bullish on Schenectady now than I was before the pandemic.”
Buell at Redburn Development said downtown Schenectady remains strong as a whole even as individual pieces struggle and the live-work-play strategy has fallen out of balance.
“It’s an incredible combination of things that are down there,” he said. “The ‘work’ is really the unknown. Offices provide the foot traffic. So you need to have the office market to be strong for everything to be healthy.”
“We’re definitely seeing a strong comeback. We’ve been out with our marketing campaign focusing on [people living within] three to three and a half hours, trying to get out the message that Schenectady County is a safe place.”
“I’ve invested in Schenectady. I’m going to continue to invest in Schenectady. It’s going to come back,” Civitello said. “It’s not going to come back like it was. It’ll come back different.”
Gillen at Metroplex placed the combined budgets of downtown projects now underway at $53 million, from a rebuild of South Church Street to construction of a new apartment building at 501 State St.
The greatly increased base of rental housing downtown helps offset the still-weak office and entertainment sectors, Gillen said.
Buicko at Galesi Group said many employers are in decent shape now, with the possible exception of not being able to hire enough employees.
“The good news is that those businesses that were strong were able to survive, those businesses that were creative were able to survive it,” he said.
State Street from Washington Avenue to Lafayette Street is a high-traffic, high-visibility zone that has seen a nine-figure public-private investment in the past two decades.
“Downtown Schenectady” also stretches down side streets in either direction, (This Would Include Barrett Street/Barrett Village.. my add in) but this strip is the heart of downtown.
Like millions of other American women, Puzzles Cafe owner Sara Mae Pratt suddenly found herself in an unforeseeable bind in March 2020: The child care she’d been relying on to continue her career after becoming a mother suddenly vanished.
Between that and the governor putting the state on pause, shutting down Puzzles was the inevitable result.
“It’s a balancing act and I don’t think there’s any reason to hide it,” Pratt said of herself and her fellow working mothers. “We’ve been through a lot and I think we should be proud.”
My Mom and I, Family, Grandparents and Uncle had been Investing in Barrett Street since the early 1900’s. I didn’t get involved until the early 1990’s. Still before Metroplex was created to Help Save Downtown! Unfortunately, it didn’t work out that well for my Mom and I. We Invested Heavily in Barrett Street and also in other parts of the City into apartments. Old Buildings that were a handful just to keep going.
Then, Came the (2 Separate) Threats from (2) Lawyers. The First Threat from One Lawyer from a Developer that bought the Land at Tax auction (the former Luigi’s restaurant) next to Ours,” To Sell Them Our Land on Barrett Street (Cheaply!) or They Would Just Go Through The City and Take It! Followed by the 2nd Threat by a Lawyer that Represented the City in an Abandonment trial for a house on Barrett Street that was in my Family for 100 years that I used for storage and would visit often. Outside the Courtroom of the Abandonment trial. The Lawyer that represented the City in the Abandonment trial. Asking me if I was ready to sell them my Mom’s Vacant Lots on Barrett St. and Seminary Place? With my reply of (No!) that Lawyer said, “That’s OK, We Will Just Go Through The City and Take Them Too!” Followed by The City Doing Eminent Domain on the Vacant Lots with No Buildings on them. With the Mayor Calling Them Blight! (In which We were told by our then Lawyer that he filed for an Appeal for the Eminent Domain and We Never got an Appeal Date!)
It was a Crushing Blow! It Involved 7 Buildings Lots that had No Mortgage on them. Along, with the City Ordering American Tax Funding, a Tax Lien Company that the City was selling it’s Tax liens to at the time to return 2 Tax payments. One payment was a payment Made in Full on the 6 Vacant lots that had no buildings on them. And the other payment that was made as part of an agreement that was made on the house on Barrett. (The City was Still Unable to Foreclose on for Unpaid Property Taxes!)
I Believe in Our Country and Also, in the Constitution and Property Ownings Rights! Well, I used to anyway.. I’m still hanging in there, trying to Have my Day in Court on Rights being Violated Multiple Times! My Mom’s not here anymore. Yet, I know she would encourage me Not to Give Up!
On that note, I will say, Google, “Schenectady Gate!!” The Cover Up! Barrett Street/Barrett Village!
Reply Zachary July 4th, 2021 There goes McCarthy speaking out of both sides of his mouth.
Reply Yakcracker July 4th, 2021 Schenectady is a sewer. Like 90% of the Criminal State, I mean the ‘Empire’ State.
Reply David Bianchi July 6th, 2021 My Mom and I, Family, Grandparents and Uncle had been Investing in Barrett Street since the early 1900’s. I didn’t get involved until the early 1990’s. Still before Metroplex was created to Help Save Downtown! Unfortunately, it didn’t work out that well for my Mom and I. We Invested Heavily in Barrett Street and also in other parts of the City into apartments. Old Buildings that were a handful just to keep going.
Then, Came the (2 Separate) Threats from (2) Lawyers. The First Threat from One Lawyer from a Developer that bought the Land at Tax auction (the former Luigi’s restaurant) next to Ours,” To Sell Them Our Land on Barrett Street (Cheaply!) or They Would Just Go Through The City and Take It! Followed by the 2nd Threat by a Lawyer that Represented the City in an Abandonment trial for a house on Barrett Street that was in my Family for 100 years that I used for storage and would visit often. Outside the Courtroom of the Abandonment trial. The Lawyer that represented the City in the Abandonment trial. Asking me if I was ready to sell them my Mom’s Vacant Lots on Barrett St. and Seminary Place? With my reply of (No!) that Lawyer said, “That’s OK, We Will Just Go Through The City and Take Them Too!” Followed by The City Doing Eminent Domain on the Vacant Lots with No Buildings on them. With the Mayor Calling Them Blight! (In which We were told by our then Lawyer that he filed for an Appeal for the Eminent Domain and We Never got an Appeal Date!)
It was a Crushing Blow! It Involved 7 Buildings Lots that had No Mortgage on them. Along, with the City Ordering American Tax Funding, a Tax Lien Company that the City was selling it’s Tax liens to at the time to return 2 Tax payments. One payment was a payment Made in Full on the 6 Vacant lots that had no buildings on them. And the other payment that was made as part of an agreement that was made on the house on Barrett. (The City was Still Unable to Foreclose on for Unpaid Property Taxes!)
I Believe in Our Country and Also, in the Constitution and Property Ownings Rights! Well, I used to anyway.. I’m still hanging in there, trying to Have my Day in Court on Rights being Violated Multiple Times! My Mom’s not here anymore. Yet, I know she would encourage me Not to Give Up!
On that note, I will say, Google, “Schenectady Gate!!” The Cover Up! Barrett Street/Barrett Village!
Reply David Bianchi July 6th, 2021 Very Odd? My comment was allowed to stay in for 2 days that I posted on July 4th then today on the 6th it was removed. Along with there was no other comments up to today. Yet, suddenly 2 other comments by others suddenly appeared today on the the 6th that say they were posted on the 4th, when those two comments were not there on the 4th and 5th. Something Fishy going on with the Comments Gazette? Are they a Gazette Plant?
Reply LEAVE A REPLY Logged in as David Bianchi. Log out?
Comment
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So, this was allowed to stay in the Gazette story with Two tales of one city comments for a couple of days. Then it was taken out and replaced with what I will post next is what is in now showing with the comments from me on this story. The Funny thing is that if the Gazette cancels a comment that's it. They don't put other comments back in that they have removed. There is Something even Bigger here being shown of The Cover up! They Can Play All They Want! The Truth is Getting Nearer and Nearer of Coming Out! With Government Officials being involved! Even With The Cover Up! Who is Above The Law? Who and Why Would Any Go To Such an Extent For A Row of Townhouses??? So, my July 4th comment was in for a couple of days in which I'm sure many saw in its entirety. Then my July 6th was allowed to stay in which is the second half of my July 4th comment. The part being more focused about the Threats from Lawyers and the Wrongdoings of The City! I Do Thank The Gazette for Letting The Comments that Talk about the Threats and Wrongdoings by the City show for like 2 Days with my posted 4th comment and then letting my posted 6th comment also concerning the Wrongdoings and Threats showing for a couple of days before being removed. I Have Never Seen What One Might Call Damage Control Like This Before.. Who in Control Would Do This?
Zachary July 4th, 2021 There goes McCarthy speaking out of both sides of his mouth.
Log in to Reply Yakcracker July 4th, 2021 Schenectady is a sewer. Like 90% of the Criminal State, I mean the ‘Empire’ State.
Log in to Reply David Bianchi July 6th, 2021 My Mom and I, Family, Grandparents and Uncle had been Investing in Barrett Street since the early 1900’s. I didn’t get involved until the early 1990’s. Still before Metroplex was created to Help Save Downtown! Unfortunately, it didn’t work out that well for my Mom and I. We Invested Heavily in Barrett Street and also in other parts of the City into apartments. Old Buildings that were a handful just to keep going.
Then, Came the (2 Separate) Threats from (2) Lawyers. The First Threat from One Lawyer from a Developer that bought the Land at Tax auction (the former Luigi’s restaurant) next to Ours,” To Sell Them Our Land on Barrett Street (Cheaply!) or They Would Just Go Through The City and Take It! Followed by the 2nd Threat by a Lawyer that Represented the City in an Abandonment trial for a house on Barrett Street that was in my Family for 100 years that I used for storage and would visit often. Outside the Courtroom of the Abandonment trial. The Lawyer that represented the City in the Abandonment trial. Asking me if I was ready to sell them my Mom’s Vacant Lots on Barrett St. and Seminary Place? With my reply of (No!) that Lawyer said, “That’s OK, We Will Just Go Through The City and Take Them Too!” Followed by The City Doing Eminent Domain on the Vacant Lots with No Buildings on them. With the Mayor Calling Them Blight! (In which We were told by our then Lawyer that he filed for an Appeal for the Eminent Domain and We Never got an Appeal Date!)
It was a Crushing Blow! It Involved 7 Buildings Lots that had No Mortgage on them. Along, with the City Ordering American Tax Funding, a Tax Lien Company that the City was selling it’s Tax liens to at the time to return 2 Tax payments. One payment was a payment Made in Full on the 6 Vacant lots that had no buildings on them. And the other payment that was made as part of an agreement that was made on the house on Barrett. (The City was Still Unable to Foreclose on for Unpaid Property Taxes!)
I Believe in Our Country and Also, in the Constitution and Property Ownings Rights! Well, I used to anyway.. I’m still hanging in there, trying to Have my Day in Court on Rights being Violated Multiple Times! My Mom’s not here anymore. Yet, I know she would encourage me Not to Give Up!
On that note, I will say, Google, “Schenectady Gate!!” The Cover Up! Barrett Street/Barrett Village!
Log in to Reply David Bianchi July 6th, 2021 Very Odd? My comment was allowed to stay in for 2 days that I posted on July 4th then today on the 6th it was removed. Along with there was no other comments up to today. Yet, suddenly 2 other comments by others suddenly appeared today on the the 6th that say they were posted on the 4th, when those two comments were not there on the 4th and 5th. Something Fishy going on with the Comments Gazette? Are they a Gazette Plant?
Log in to Reply ChuckD July 6th, 2021 Odd. Not a single mention of the glorious Rivers Casino.
This is what is in the Comments section of The Gazette Story, Two tales of one city now. My Question Would Be? How Can So Many Read/Know About This! And IT Still Being Allowed To Continue as Like Business as USUAL!?? Surely, This Story Being About Schenectady Has Many Readers Including One's of Power in the Area?? Notice How with my Comments with the Parts with The Threats from The Lawyers and The Taxes being Ordered sent back and The Eminent Domain were Taken out! That's What I Call an Attempt at Damage Control!!
More from The Daily Gazette: New York racing broadcast pioneer Harvey Pack dies at 94 Hamilton Hill shooting victim's mother pleads with community for answers Man stabbed multiple times in Rotterdam Saratoga County hires PR director Lance E. St. Louis charged in Jumpin' Jacks altercation, police say Categories: Business, News
8 COMMENTS Zachary July 4th, 2021 There goes McCarthy speaking out of both sides of his mouth.
Log in to Reply Yakcracker July 4th, 2021 Schenectady is a sewer. Like 90% of the Criminal State, I mean the ‘Empire’ State.
Log in to Reply David Bianchi July 6th, 2021 Very Odd? My comment was allowed to stay in for 2 days that I posted on July 4th then today on the 6th it was removed. Along with there was no other comments up to today. Yet, suddenly 2 other comments by others suddenly appeared today on the the 6th that say they were posted on the 4th, when those two comments were not there on the 4th and 5th. Something Fishy going on with the Comments Gazette? Are they a Gazette Plant?
Log in to Reply ChuckD July 6th, 2021 Odd. Not a single mention of the glorious Rivers Casino.
Log in to Reply David Bianchi July 6th, 2021 David Bianchi July 4th, 2021 Great Story and Some Beautiful quotes Here!
The contrast is especially vivid for those who remember the cycles the area has gone through, from a peak in the 1950s to a nadir in the 1990s and a rebirth in recent years.
For those still shuttered, there is time for planning.
Puzzles owner Pratt said she’ll be starting almost from scratch — the cafe doesn’t even have a phone number anymore. “It’s not the kind of situation where you can just flip a switch and come back in a few days,” she said. “I think there’s a lot of changes moving forward that you can expect from us,” Pratt said. Her goal is to debut them at an April 2022 reopening. (Very Inspiring!) Thank You!
Best of Luck to You Honey ! Along with All the Other Businesses in and around the Area!
“I’m more bullish on Schenectady now than I was before the pandemic.”
Buell at Redburn Development said downtown Schenectady remains strong as a whole even as individual pieces struggle and the live-work-play strategy has fallen out of balance.
“It’s an incredible combination of things that are down there,” he said. “The ‘work’ is really the unknown. Offices provide the foot traffic. So you need to have the office market to be strong for everything to be healthy.”
“We’re definitely seeing a strong comeback. We’ve been out with our marketing campaign focusing on [people living within] three to three and a half hours, trying to get out the message that Schenectady County is a safe place.”
“I’ve invested in Schenectady. I’m going to continue to invest in Schenectady. It’s going to come back,” Civitello said. “It’s not going to come back like it was. It’ll come back different.”
Gillen at Metroplex placed the combined budgets of downtown projects now underway at $53 million, from a rebuild of South Church Street to construction of a new apartment building at 501 State St.
The greatly increased base of rental housing downtown helps offset the still-weak office and entertainment sectors, Gillen said.
Buicko at Galesi Group said many employers are in decent shape now, with the possible exception of not being able to hire enough employees.
“The good news is that those businesses that were strong were able to survive, those businesses that were creative were able to survive it,” he said.
State Street from Washington Avenue to Lafayette Street is a high-traffic, high-visibility zone that has seen a nine-figure public-private investment in the past two decades.
“Downtown Schenectady” also stretches down side streets in either direction, (This Would Include Barrett Street/Barrett Village.. my add in) but this strip is the heart of downtown.
Like millions of other American women, Puzzles Cafe owner Sara Mae Pratt suddenly found herself in an unforeseeable bind in March 2020: The child care she’d been relying on to continue her career after becoming a mother suddenly vanished.
Between that and the governor putting the state on pause, shutting down Puzzles was the inevitable result.
“It’s a balancing act and I don’t think there’s any reason to hide it,” Pratt said of herself and her fellow working mothers. “We’ve been through a lot and I think we should be proud.”
My Mom and I, Family, Grandparents and Uncle had been Investing in Barrett Street since the early 1900’s. I didn’t get involved until the early 1990’s. Still before Metroplex was created to Help Save Downtown! Unfortunately, it didn’t work out that well for my Mom and I. We Invested Heavily in Barrett Street and also in other parts of the City into apartments. Old Buildings that were a handful just to keep going.
Log in to Reply David Bianchi July 6th, 2021 1st part of my Comment Posted on July 4th
David Bianchi July 4th, 2021 Great Story and Some Beautiful quotes Here!
The contrast is especially vivid for those who remember the cycles the area has gone through, from a peak in the 1950s to a nadir in the 1990s and a rebirth in recent years.
For those still shuttered, there is time for planning.
Puzzles owner Pratt said she’ll be starting almost from scratch — the cafe doesn’t even have a phone number anymore. “It’s not the kind of situation where you can just flip a switch and come back in a few days,” she said. “I think there’s a lot of changes moving forward that you can expect from us,” Pratt said. Her goal is to debut them at an April 2022 reopening. (Very Inspiring!) Thank You!
Best of Luck to You Honey ! Along with All the Other Businesses in and around the Area!
“I’m more bullish on Schenectady now than I was before the pandemic.”
Buell at Redburn Development said downtown Schenectady remains strong as a whole even as individual pieces struggle and the live-work-play strategy has fallen out of balance.
“It’s an incredible combination of things that are down there,” he said. “The ‘work’ is really the unknown. Offices provide the foot traffic. So you need to have the office market to be strong for everything to be healthy.”
“We’re definitely seeing a strong comeback. We’ve been out with our marketing campaign focusing on [people living within] three to three and a half hours, trying to get out the message that Schenectady County is a safe place.”
“I’ve invested in Schenectady. I’m going to continue to invest in Schenectady. It’s going to come back,” Civitello said. “It’s not going to come back like it was. It’ll come back different.”
Gillen at Metroplex placed the combined budgets of downtown projects now underway at $53 million, from a rebuild of South Church Street to construction of a new apartment building at 501 State St.
The greatly increased base of rental housing downtown helps offset the still-weak office and entertainment sectors, Gillen said.
Buicko at Galesi Group said many employers are in decent shape now, with the possible exception of not being able to hire enough employees.
“The good news is that those businesses that were strong were able to survive, those businesses that were creative were able to survive it,” he said.
State Street from Washington Avenue to Lafayette Street is a high-traffic, high-visibility zone that has seen a nine-figure public-private investment in the past two decades.
“Downtown Schenectady” also stretches down side streets in either direction, (This Would Include Barrett Street/Barrett Village.. my add in) but this strip is the heart of downtown.
Like millions of other American women, Puzzles Cafe owner Sara Mae Pratt suddenly found herself in an unforeseeable bind in March 2020: The child care she’d been relying on to continue her career after becoming a mother suddenly vanished.
Between that and the governor putting the state on pause, shutting down Puzzles was the inevitable result.
“It’s a balancing act and I don’t think there’s any reason to hide it,” Pratt said of herself and her fellow working mothers. “We’ve been through a lot and I think we should be proud.”
Log in to Reply David Bianchi July 6th, 2021 Great Story and Some Beautiful quotes Here!
The contrast is especially vivid for those who remember the cycles the area has gone through, from a peak in the 1950s to a nadir in the 1990s and a rebirth in recent years.
For those still shuttered, there is time for planning.
Puzzles owner Pratt said she’ll be starting almost from scratch — the cafe doesn’t even have a phone number anymore. “It’s not the kind of situation where you can just flip a switch and come back in a few days,” she said. “I think there’s a lot of changes moving forward that you can expect from us,” Pratt said. Her goal is to debut them at an April 2022 reopening. (Very Inspiring!) Thank You!
Best of Luck to You Honey ! Along with All the Other Businesses in and around the Area!
“I’m more bullish on Schenectady now than I was before the pandemic.”
Log in to Reply David Bianchi July 6th, 2021 Maybe Just a Glitch in The System?
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