Delaware Area Quality of Life Committee

Another issue that was discussed was the possibility of renaming the organization to something that might be perceived as more proactive, more marketable to individuals and businesses to lay stakes in the area.

One idea that I present is the Delaware Area Quality of Life Committee. Whatever the name of the group, it would still serve its neighborhood watch function but would try to focus more on raising the bar for a standard of living that we hope to see for our residents (owners and renters alike) , our businesses and our communities.

We have a meeting on the third Monday in October (10/16?), and we can discuss it then; we can also brainstorm ideas here and through our e-mail before then.

I bring this up, because I don't want to sit on it too long; we should come to some consesnus on this and then move forward.

Thank you, again, to Laura and Perry for hosting the meeting and posting the notes.

Notes from the Neighborhood Watch (9/18/06)

We had a good meeting this past Monday. Officer Matt Montesano talked a bit about Chief Tuffey’s plans and some of the changes he’s seen within the department.

In the past, my main concern when I heard Chief Tuffey speak is that he only spoke about a reactive approach to crime instead of a proactive approach. During the most recent DANA meeting (which I could not attend), it’s my understanding that the chief did talk about some proactive community policing. Matt filled us in on the details.

[Matt: please jump in if I’ve gotten anything wrong] With the proposed closing of some stations, we should see an increased street presence. This doesn’t just mean more cars on the street. We should also see more officers walking the beat or on bike. I can’t recall the numbers, but the increase sounded substantial.

The chief is now requiring that officers do a certain number of “Property Checks” and “Person Checks.” These are community policing efforts that simply get the officer out of a car to talk to property owners and individuals. These checks are not supposed to have anything to do with a crime. They are for the purpose of encouraging the officers to learn some more about the citizens they are serving, and for the citizens to see the officers as part of their community. I think this will have a major influence on the communities.

A good portion of the meeting was spent talking about the volume of litter we see along Delaware Ave. This is a difficult issue to handle because it’s really a DGS issue and not a policing issue. At some point, we probably need to have a conversation with codes to see what we can do.

We also discussed the development of a “Welcome to the Neighborhood” packet that can be handed out to new neighbors and given to property owners to pass on to their tenants. The packet would contain info about the neighborhood watch, important phone numbers, trash pick up days, and maybe even a flyer advertising business in the neighborhood. If anyone is interested in helping put something like this together, let me know.

The next meeting is Monday, October 16th.

Library News

I received this email today:

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Hello Interested Library Supporters -

The Library is deeply appreciative of your commitment to the community process of designing libraries that really serve the needs of the people who live in this city. Contrary to published reports, the Trustees have not backed off the plan, they are taking this month to carefully consider the scope of the project to put forward to the voters. We're eager to meet with you to share the latest developments and receive your feedback on the Facilities Plan. This is going to be an important gathering and we hope you're able to join in. The Citizens Library Advisory Committee, which is open to all, is scheduled for Monday, September 25 at 6pm at the Pine Hills Library. (Note: This is a change in date and venue.) So, let us know if you're planning to attend and if you're busy that evening, we'll certainly make ourselves available at your convenience to fill you in on the specifics. Again, thank you for your deep commitment to creating the best possible Library services for the City of Albany.

- Elissa for the Albany Public Library--

Elissa Kane
Director of Development
Albany Public Library
161 Washington Avenue
Albany, New York 12210
518-427-4346

Delaware Area Neighborhood Watch Walk-Through

Just a reminder that tonight is the Walk Through with Officer Montesano.

We have about five folk participating right now, but this is being posted for those who have free time and want to come along.

Meet Officer Montesano at 6 p.m. in front of Ultraviolet Cafe, by the Spectrum.

Library Facilities Plan

This TU article discusses the postponement of the library facilities vote. The 7th Ward is right in the center of it, with some conflicting ideas of what should be done. It seems that the Mayor wants to substitute a main branch at the New Scotland Avenue Armory in place of the New Scotland and Delaware Avenue branches.

The main concern expressed in the article is voting on the cost of a library plan, to be followed by a 2007 citywide tax asessment and possible new school construction initiatives.

The Albany Charity for Arts in Education

I came across this notice and thought it might be of interest to many in our neighborhood.

The Albany Charity for Arts in Education is proud to present the Third Annual Spectacular!

Silent Auction of Birdhouses Decorated by local artists & celebrities

To benefit arts programs in the Albany City schools Friday September 22 at 7:30 pm at the Italian American Community Center 257 Washington Ave Ext. The cost of admission is $25 in advance, $35 at the door. Advance tickets available at Romeo's Gifts on Lark St. Included will be a selection of desserts, coffee, tea and cash bar. For more information, call (518) 465-9081 or e-mail at artsineduc@yahoo.com

Important Upcoming Community Event

While I know this is a bit thematically different from the main focus of this blog I strongly believe that neighborhood associations are a critical element in the safety and quality of life of a neighborhood. Many people as well would not hear of this event through other sources.


Contact: Harold Rubin

Phone (518) 434-0855
CANA

http://councilalbanyna.tripod.com/ Council of Albany Neighborhood Associations
Press Release

CANA celebrates 30 years of promoting Albany ’s neighborhoods

Albany, New York, September 8, 2006 : The Council of Albany Neighborhood Associations (CANA) will celebrate 30 years of activism as the “voice of Albany’s neighborhoods” on Wednesday, October 4 with a public reception at 6 PM and dinner at 7 PM The University Club of Albany, 141 Washington Avenue.

B. J. Costello, president of the Pine Hills Neighborhood Association, will address the gathering on “The Changing Role of Neighborhood Associations”. Mr. Costello is a partner in the law firm of Hinman, Straub P.C. Neighborhood and city leaders past and present will be on hand to swap stories of CANA’s history of pursing the vitality, well being and growth of Albany by strengthening its varied neighborhoods.

CANA is a federation of more than 20 neighborhood groups joined to address citywide issues and create a quality environment for all of Albany ’s people. The Association was formed in 1976 when neighborhood associations working in the Coalition for Effective Code Enforcement, aided by the Neighborhood Resource Center, agreed to join together to deal with other quality of life issues throughout Albany.

CANA has since promoted a more open city budgetary process and a more effective code enforcement system, advocated for public comment before Common Council meetings, supported establishment of a comprehensive historic preservation ordinance and requested curbing for Washington Park roads to prevent erosion. Recently, CANA published Guiding Principles for Conducting a Successful Comprehensive Plan to influence Albany ’s citywide planning process.

CANA meets the first Wednesday of the month (except July and August) at 7 PM at the Albany Public Library on Washington Avenue . All meetings are open to the public.

To learn more about CANA contact Harold Rubin at 434-0855.

The cost of the dinner is $25.