Recently, the NYS Controller produced a report suggesting the need for improvements at municipal buildings across New York State. osc.ny.gov/press/releases/2025/05/local-governmentsshould-improve-accessibility-new-yorkers. Therefore, I am working with our engineers to provide suggestions for the Village Municipal Building at 250 Broadway and intend to apply for grant funding for nearly $1 million in improvements to make our municipal building safer, more accessible, more energy efficient, and to maximize the space we use for all Village functions.
I recently signed a shared-services agreement with Albany County for the Village of Menands to participate in the Albany County Health Care Cooperative. Our participation in this health care pool will ensure our employees have access to quality health coverage at a far more reasonable and stable cost than what we can obtain from private markets. Controlling health care costs is essential to rein in necessary tax increases. This allows us to redirect dollars to other necessities. For the 2025 insurance year, our CDPHP rate increase was +18.7%, while the Cooperative’s rate increased by only 5%. This is a win for Menands and our employees!
NSH USA has started its $8 million expansion project at 47 Broadway. They hope to be operational by midfall 2025, and new jobs will follow.
Over the past two years, I have worked with our neighboring municipalities on a NYS DOT-inspired vision to reimagine RT 32 (Broadway). We hope to present a draft version of the recommendations for public comment to enhance safety for pedestrians, bikers, traffic, and public transportation. We aim to improve this essential corridor, making it more convenient, visually appealing, environmentally friendly, and a Main Street to be proud of. Great things are on the way!