Mayors Message – August 2015

Congratulations to Carol and Lyle Darmetko and the Pay It Forward Together committee on receiving the Hudson Shores Rotary Club Citizens of the Year award in recognition of “Service Above Self.” This award was presented to the group at the Rotary awards dinner on July 15th for their service to our community. In a short period of time PIFT membership has grown significantly and continues to support the Watervliet/Menands Communities.

Congratulations to Aidan & Ryan Nicoll, Logan Testo, Meredith Apfelbaum, Leah Sposito, John Paul, Evan & Kaelyn Kulpa, Danny Sanchez, Michelle Ferraino, Nadia, Pat Kenyon and Sydney & Jim Lemire in joining hundreds of other campers from around the country at the 2015 REACH Workcamp in Newfane, NY. Thank you to Bethany Church for continuing this wonderful opportunity for our youth.

I would like to thank Village Clerk John Berry and Auxiliary Secretary Sheila Hyatt for working the cooling center last week for those in need of relief from the heat.

On an Economic front:

The Lofts at Albany International construction continues with anticipation of 8 units completed by the end of this year, and remaining units available next year.

The steel framing of Family Dollar has begun and will be completed shortly, followed by the interior
work. The Grand Opening is not far away.

The $2.5 million renovation of the former Two Guys building is underway. With the entire building being renovated this will be a great asset to the Village.

The initial site work for Dutch Village IV is scheduled to begin this week. The project will provide 48 new luxury apartments retaining the beautiful architectural design of the existing buildings with modern amenities. It is anticipated that the first building will be ready for occupancy by December.

The interior fit up of Zombie Apocalypse, located at 21 Simmons Lane has begun. With a target date of opening on August 7th this laser tag game company will be sure to thrill Zombie enthusiasts in our area.

Having enjoyed my last stack of blueberry pancakes at the Other Co. Restaurant on their final day of operation on June 28th, I wish Sharon and Ellen the best of luck in Florida. Renovations are already underway for an Italian restaurant that will occupy the building. The owners of Il Ferra are hoping to open for business by mid August. I look forward to welcoming them to the Village.

I will keep you posted on the progress of these and other projects. If you have not had a chance to stop down for the Tuesday Night Concerts in the Park yet there are still a couple of weeks left, as well as the Village picnic on Wednesday, August 19th. Enjoy the rest of your summer.

Until next time,
Mayor Meg