Be on the lookout

Please keep your eyes open for two kids who destroyed some property on Delaware Ave. A merchant along the Ave got them on video. Here's a still...



If you recognize the kids or have any information, please contact officer Ben Sturgess.

Also, last week, a woman walking down Delaware Ave was verbally harassed by a man who followed her into Bridgeford Hardware. Apparently Eddie threw the man out of the store, but the individual continued to hang around the immediate area. (The police were not called at the time). Eddie ended up driving the woman home.

A local resident called the police on the woman's behalf the next day, but there was no follow-up by the police.

If you witnessed the harassment or have any information, please contact officer Ben Sturgess about this incident as well.

If you find yourself in a situation where you feel threatened, please call the police immediately, or ask someone to call them for you asap.

Summer In The City Youth Program Guide Available

The 2007 Summer In the City Youth Program guide is now available. It is a collaborative project of the City and the College of Saint Rose. It is a guide to summer camps, afterschool programs and services available particularly in the summer for youth. I have 14 copies and I would be happy to give one to anyone who would like one. Just email me and we can arrange to get it to you.

-Paul

More graffiti

There is more graffiti on the building at Hacket that borders on Federal, but on the Hacket side. I have spoken to one of the neighboring people and I am told that kids visit there frequently at night.

What are the local police doing in response to all of this activity? How should neighbors respond? What role should a neighborhood watch play?

Contact: Scott Jarzombek
Branch Librarian
JOHN A. HOWE Branch
Albany Public Library
Schuyler & Broad Streets
427-9485

Howe Branch Library Free June Events

Friday, June 22 6:00 pmFilm Screening and Discussion: Love Jones. A young, black poet in Chicago dates a beautiful and talented photographer. A multicultural presentation by Tehuti Films.

Pre- School Storytime - Mondays, June 4, 11, 18 & 25 10:00 am. and Wednesdays, June 6. 13. 20 & 270 10:30 am. Have fun listening to read-aloud stories, trying songs or joining in an art activity or game.

Dance Dance Revolution - Mondays, June 11 & 25 4:00 pm. Follow arrows on a screen to know where to put your feet. Come get your groove on and win prizes.

Computer Camp July 16 through 20, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. To register or for more information, call the Howe Branch at 472-9485.

Summer Reading Program - Sign-up begins Saturday, June 23 and continues until Friday, August 18.

John CirrinPublic Information Officer
(518) 427-4344
cirrinj@uhls.lib.ny.us
Albany Public Library
161 Washington Avenue
Albany, New York 12210

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE LIBRARY BOARD CANDIDATES TO APPEAR IN SPECIAL FORUM

Contact: Tim Burke, Interim Director
(518) 427-437
Albany Public Library161 Washington Avenue
Albany, New York 12210

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE LIBRARY BOARD CANDIDATES TO APPEAR IN SPECIAL FORUM

APL and League of Women Voters Co-sponsor Thursday Event (ALBANY) Residents of Albany will have the opportunity to learn about the candidates running for the Albany Public Library Board of Trustees on Thursday May 10 from 7-9pm at the Main Library, 161 Washington Avenue.

There will be 17 candidates on the ballot Tuesday, May 15 to fill four open seats on APL’s Board of Trustees.

The terms of three incumbent Trustees have expired, and a fourth seat is vacant due to the untimely passing of longtime Board member David Brown. The three Trustee candidates with the highest vote totals will serve five-year terms on the Board beginning on July 1, 2007. The candidate with the fourth highest vote total will serve a three-year term. This unprecedented interest in membership on the Library’s Board of Trustees is a direct result of APL’s successful community awareness campaign that led to the voter approval of the $29.1 million Branch Improvement Plan. “It is gratifying to know that there are so many city residents who are willing to commit their time and talent to make the library better for everyone,” said APL Board President John Bach. The Albany County League of Women Voters is co-sponsoring the event, and will moderate the proceedings. There will be two (2) rounds in which each candidate will respond to four questions that were provided to all of the candidates in advance. Due to the large number of candidates the format will not allow for rebuttals or for questions from audience members. Questions regarding polling places, absentee ballots, etc. should be directed to the Clerk of the Albany School District at 475-6010. Profiles of all candidates and other election information is available at http://www.albanypubliclibrary.org/board/elections

PLEASE NOTE: There will not be a question on the ballot regarding APL’s annual budget because the Trustees are not seeking an increase in spending over last year’s voter-approved amount.

-- John CirrinPublic Information Officer
(518) 427-4344cirrinj@uhls.lib.ny.us
Albany Public Library161 Washington Avenue
Albany, New York 12210

Albany Home Buyer Fair

2007 Albany Home Buyer Fair, Saturday May 5,
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Albany Public Library, 161 Washington Avenue.
Free.
For details call 434-1720, or visit www.ahphome.org

Step It Up 2007 - National Day of Climate Action

I just received an email about this Saturday's National Day of Climate Action. Thought folks on the list might be interested.

Over thirty-five climate crisis actions with the singular message to act now to cut carbon 80% by 2050, will be held in our region on Sat., 4/14 ( see stepitup2007.org ) , including --

Step It Up, Capital! on Albany's Capitol Steps--with Gov Spitzer's Deputy Secretary for the Environment speaking along with Ed Bennett, President of NY Interfaith Power & Light, a rep form Congresswoman Gillibrand's office, etc.

The rally to the Capitol Steps (2pm) follows a picnic with five local musical groups and speakers from local energy, farm organizations, etc., hosted (11am to 2pm) in Washington Park by Honest Weight Food Co-op and co-sponsored by over 25 other organizations ( Regional Farm and Food Project, Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace, etc.)

Renown and peer-reviewed scientists, as Jim Hansen of NASA’s Goddard Institute of Space Studies at Columbia University, tell us that 75% of the planet’s warming has taken place in the last 30 years and that we have only a few years to dramatically change policies if we are to reverse this warming trend. So we need a new paradigm, not more of the same long-distance, fossil-fueled, corporate energy and food. We need to envision almost everything as “low-carbon local".

Think global, act local. Talk it up. Step it up.

Some Delaware Library Events

Event: Movies at the Library
Location: Delaware Branch
Begins: 4:10 pm (Monday, April 9, 2007)
Description: Tired of sitting around the house over school vacation? Then join us at the Library for full-length movies and free popcorn courtesy of the Spectrum 8 Theatres. “Happy Feet” Into the world of the Emperor Penguins, who find their soul mates through song, a penguin is born who cannot sing. But he can tap dance something fierce!

Event: Dance Dance Revolution
Location: Delaware Branch
Begins: 4:00 pm (Tuesday, April 10, 2007)
Description: This is a music video game that is played on a dance pad. The dancer follows arrows on a screen to know where to place his or her feet to the beat of a song. Loads of fun!

Event: Delaware Dogs Program
Location: Delaware Branch
Begins: 5:00 pm (Tuesday, April 10, 2007)
Description: Learn about dogs with Miss Rose and her certified therapy dog. Related activities include conducting research on dogs, reading books about dogs, and talking about what people can learn about responsibility and friendship from taking care of a dog.

Event: Movies at the Library
Location: Delaware Branch
Begins: 4:10 pm (Thursday, April 12, 2007)
Description: Tired of sitting around the house over school vacation? Then join us at the Library for full-length movies and free popcorn courtesy of the Spectrum 8 Theatres. “Charlotte’s Web” The classic story of loyalty, trust, and sacrifice comes to life in this live-action adaptation. Wilbur the pig is scared of the end of the season, because he knows that come that time, he will end up on the dinner table. He hatches a plan with Charlotte, a spider that lives in his pen, to ensure that this will never happen.

Event: Intro. to E-mail
Location: Delaware Branch
Begins: 10:30 am (Friday, April 13, 2007)
Ends: 11:30 am (Friday, April 13, 2007)
Description: Discover the fun and learn the 'netiquette' of e-mail. Basic computer skills and Internet experience required. Call 427-0254, or register in person at the Reference Desk.

Community Service Fair at Delaware Community School

The Dual Language Program &
The Albany Network of Hispanic Service Providers
Present
The 7th Annual Community Service Providers Fair
Wednesday, April 4th
5:30-7:00pm Delaware Community School
43 Bertha Street
Albany, New York

There will be representatives from the following agencies and more:
Affordable Housing Partnership
Albany Co. Dept. of Social Services Temporary Assistance Division
Alzheimer's Association of Northeastern NY
Cancer Care Center@ST. Peter’s Hospital
Capital District Worker Center
Centro Cívico Hispanoamericano, Inc.
Diocesan Housing- Catholic Charities Housing Office, DePaul Housing Management
Empire Justice Center
Girl Scouts Hudson Valley Council
Hispanic Outreach Services
Latino NY Magazine
Maternal Infant Network-Community Cradle Nutrition Outreach and Education Program,
Legal Aid Society of Northeastern NY
NYS Office of Temporary & Disability Assistance-Division of Child Support Enforcement
Occupational & Environmental Health Center of Eastern NY
St. Patrick’s Home Based Child Care Partnership/Catholic Charities
Senior Whole Health
South American Spanish Association (SASA)
South End Community Partnership
To Life!
The Community Hospice
Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood

Juice Cookies Activities and Gifts for Children

Door Prizes!!!!!

Notes from the DANA meeting

Here's a brief run down of what was discussed at the DANA meeting last night.

Delaware Ave Road Rehabilitation Project
The City has contracted with Clough Harbor and Associates to do a 'full-depth' reconstruction. Michael Hurtt from CHA said this meant the road would be excavated for approx 2 feet and then built up from a new foundation.

They are still in the planning stages so there aren't a lot of details yet. Plans are expected to be complete by the end of 2007. Construction will start late in 2008 continuing into 2009.

Comment sheets were handed out and I can make copies for anybody interested. Comments will be mailed directly to Michael Hurtt.

Community Outreach
Amanda Paeglow from the DA's office talked to us about community service. She said she's got some people-power available to do community service. I've got a phone call in to her to see if we can get a litter patrol out on the Ave.

Healthy Neighborhoods Program
Lorraine Caroccia provided some great information about the Healthy Neighborhoods Program. If you are interested in how to keep your house clean and safe, call Lorraine at 577-0933. She'll supply you with FREE cleaning supplies, smoke detectors, batteries for your smoke detectors and CO detectors. Lorraine will show you how to use the cleaning supplies to "Get Ahead of Lead." Sounds like a great program and is available to home owners and renters.

Library Plan
The Del Ave. librarian thanked everyone for getting out the vote. She said renovation of Chicorelli's is supposed to begin February 2008 and be complete by the end of 2008.

Comprehensive City Plan
Cathy Fahey spoke about the Comprehensive Plan. The Common Council will be establishing a city wide advisory board. If you are interested in participating, contact your council member for more info.

Reverse 911
Officer Matt Montesano said the city used Reverse 911 (I believe for the first time?) during the Feb 14th snow-storm? I think I've got the details mixed up in my notes. Matt wanted folks to be aware that the city now uses Reverse 911, so if you get an automated phone call listen to it for a few seconds before hanging up. It could be a public service announcement instead of the dreaded telemarketer.

News Notice That Was Passed On To Me

Save Our Second Ave. and Southern Blvd residential zoning.

The business owners of the property in between Southern Boulevard and Second Avenue have a proposal in front of the zoning board this week to allow for a heavy construction/demolition business in this residentially zoned neighborhood. Please attend to show support for our neighbors and appropriate land use in our neighborhood.

BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
Wednesday, February 28, 2007 at 5:30 PMCommon Council Chambers on the Second Floor of City Hall.
There will be a public comment period.

Case # 2-07, 1349
The case of Dominic DiTonno & Danny Di Tonno regarding the premises located at the Rear of 456-466 Delaware Ave. requesting an Interpretation to determine if the applicant’s use of the premises is the same as the legal nonconforming use that previously existed.

If you can’t attend, please send a letter to:
Mark Territo
Senior Planner, ALDC
21 Lodge Street
Albany, NY 12207
434-2532 x 17
Fax 434-9846
e-mail: territom@ci.albany.ny.us

The next Delaware Neighborhood Association Meeting will be held on Thursday, March 8 at 7 pm at the VFW, 525 Delaware Avenue. We’ll meet with the project managers for the Delaware Avenue reconstruction.

South End Quality of Life Committee

South End Quality of Life Committee
MeetingTuesday, Feb. 27, 2007
6:00pm—7:30pm
Howe LibrarySchuyler/Broad Streets

***Please note new location***
Agenda will feature:

• Experience of Mansion Neighborhood in forming a neighborhood association and general discussion

• CDTA Offer for new South End Homebuyers.
Everyone is Welcome!

News On Meeting

Here's some news:

The neighborhood meeting with Albany Police Chief Tuffey and Mayor Gerald Jennings is scheduled for Thursday, February 8 at 7pm at the new Delaware Community School at 43 Hurlbut St.

All are welcome!


Also....I have heard there is a new beat officer for our neighborhood. We should get the information so we can all be aware and welcome him to our community. Does anyone know more information yet?

Business Classes and other opportunities

For your calendars, upcoming business development opportunities sponsored by the Community Loan Fund and its partners . . .

Next 8 session Business Planning Class held in partnership with the School of Business of the College of Saint Rose will start on Saturday, February 10. Call 436-8586 to register and for more information.

A free legal clinic offered by the Legal Project of the Women’s Bar Association will be held on March 22 starting at 5:30 pm. Appointment necessary – 435-1770.

February 24 to March 3 is Entrepreneurship Week. The collaborative Center for Micro Enterprise Development will celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit with a roundtable discussion of small business resources on Saturday, March 3 at 9 am at the College of Saint Rose. Call 436-8586 for more info. Capital District Community Loan Fund, Inc.

Library Meetings

Contact: John Cirrin
Public Information Officer(518) 427-4344
cirrinj@uhls.lib.ny.us
Albany Public Library
161 Washington Avenue
Albany, New York 12210

Albany Public Library is hosting a series of public meetings and is distributing informational packets to educate citizens about the February 6th referendum on its Branch Improvement Plan.The public meetings will be held as follows at the Main library, 161 Washington Avenue: Tuesday January 23 [Sorry for the late posting] at 6 pm; Friday January 26 at noon and Thursday February 1 at 6 pm. All citizens are welcome to listen to library officials present the basic facts and figures about the plan, and to ask questions about any aspect of the first-ever overhaul of Albany’s library system. In addition, library officials are speaking at several dozen meetings of neighborhood associations and community groups throughout January and early February.

At these community meetings, and on the library’s website, voters can obtain a series of documents designed to inform them of the location, size, features, and cost of each branch. Publications include site plans, floor plans, answers to frequently asked questions, polling locations, cost figures, board resolutions, and a report of the APL Facilities Committee detailing the decision-making process and reasoning that led to the Branch Improvement Plan.APL’s website address is www.albanypubliclibrary.org.Voters can contact the library at 427-4300 anytime to ask questions and request information on the plan.

More finds along the Ave

These just showed up yesterday. Happy hunting.

Fight in front of 437 Delaware Ave

Following is an excerpt from email I sent to Chief Tuffey and Officer Montesano.

Unfortunately, I’m writing this email to report on my interaction with the police this afternoon. Let me set the stage:

At 3:40pm on Thursday the 29^th, I left my house to walk my dogs and happened to bring my camera with me. Just as I got to the sidewalk I witnessed a group of kids attack two other kids. My first reaction was to try and stop the fight, but with my dogs and the quick escalation, I had to settle for taking a couple of pictures. One of the victims was hit in the face (closed fist). He went down to the ground immediately and 4-5 other youths starting hitting and kicking him. After intervention by some passerby’s and my neighbor, the victim was able to walk away with a bruised face and what appeared to me to be the beginning of a black eye.

The same thug that threw the knock-down punch threatened my neighbor for breaking up the fight and said he would ‘take him out.’

I called 911 and kept an eye on the victims who were too scared to continue walking down the street. They took refuge in CVS and the hardware store.

I relayed my story to the responding officers, and showed the pictured I had taken. The first officer said he recognized the kid who threw the punch. The officers then went and spoke with the victims. When the officers returned to their cars, I asked what was going to be done. They said nothing was going to be done because the victim wants to handle it through school. I asked what else we (the residents who witnessed the fight) could do and the officer became very defensive and accused me of taking an ungracious tone with him. I assured him it was not my intent to question him, but was eager to know what I can do to make sure some consequence come down on the main perpetrator.

Here’s the problem: Aside from the kid who was attacked, there were other victims.

1. The street was busy with people walking home from their bus stop after work.
2. The fight jeopardized the safety of a good number of people.
3. The incident will have a lasting affect on residents who will no longer feel safe walking the street.
4. Residents of the street were threatened.
5. I did my duty as a citizen. Called in the fight and got an unreasonable attitude from the responding officers.

Here’s what should have happened:

1. Even if it is the case that the officer could not do anything, it would have been in the best interest of the police department to follow up with me (i.e. keep the residents informed). Instead of me having to ask the officer for more information. Just as you mentioned, it’s important for officers to get to know the residents. Had the officer treated me like a fellow human being instead of just “one of those Delaware Ave residents” he would understand that there are sincere residents of the neighborhood who want to work with the police and help turn our neighborhood around.
2. The officer should have said that he’d drive down Delaware and look for the perpetrator.
3. The officers should have thanked those residents who stayed afterwards and should have told us to keep up the good work.

Please understand that most of my interactions with the police do not happen this way. Most of the officers I speak to are courteous and quick to offer more information on what residents can and should do in future situations.

I can’t remember the name of the main officer that I spoke with, but the second officer on the scene was C. Young.

I hope that you can follow up on this. I fear for the safety of the victims and the residents of Delaware Ave.

I have attached the pictures of the fight.

Picture1:

Victim – red hoody and blue jeans.

Perpetrator1 – kid in the black hoody being held by a kid in the stripped shirt.

Perpetrator2 – kid with black jacket and white t-shirt seen putting his jacket back on.

Note the large group of residents waiting at the bus stop

Picture2:

Perpetrator1 – standing behind the man in the white shirt

Picture3:

Perpetrator1 – threatening my neighbor.