Mayor’s Message – May 2015

I hope everyone enjoyed the holiday weekend. Memorial Day honors those who lost their lives while serving in the military. We remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice and their families. It also marks the start of the summer season. With more kids playing outside, people walking and motorcycles on the road now, please be extra cautious especially around our parks.

Congratulations to Menands resident and Youth Counselor Kristi Hayes on her outstanding accomplishments in track & field at Bryant University. Kristi holds 8 school records in 4 indoor and 4 outdoor track events. Sophomore year she was the 400M hurdle conference champion. Junior year she was team captain, an ECAC finalist in the 400M dash, 400M hurdle conference champion, New England 400M hurdle champion, Team MVP and 2015 Rhode Island Assn. for Intercollegiate Athletics for Distinguished Woman Athlete of the Year. Kristi will return in the fall as team captain for her final year at Bryant. Way to go Kristi and best wishes for another successful season. Enjoy your senior year.

Congratulations also to all of the Menands 2015 graduates. As you embark on the next chapter in your lives, be it high school, college or employment, we wish you the very best in all of your endeavors.
I would like to thank Menands DPW, Town Supervisor Paula Mahan and Bill Neeley from the Town Highway Dept., Albany Rural Cemetery, St. Agnes Cemetery and Brad Grant for their efforts in dredging the creek near Cemetery Avenue to alleviate flooding issues in this area. This has been a long standing problem but with a collaborative effort the project was recently completed.

Our semi-annual Business Breakfast held this month saw a great turnout with some new faces. This event is a way for the business community to come together to hear what is going on in Menands and to talk with fellow business people. I took the opportunity to thank those who have helped the Village, especially in regards to our Emergency Preparedness agenda that we worked hard on this past year. I also gave an update on economic activity happening in Menands and introduced our guest speaker Uri Kaufman, developer of the Lofts at Albany International. Catered by Poppy’s Place, the food was delicious and I thank Deb and her staff for another great meal. I look forward to our next Breakfast to be held in October.

On an economic front, Family Dollar has broken ground for their new store and it is expected to open in a few months. Dutch Village anticipates awarding the contract for the construction of their new apartment buildings within the next two weeks. Columbia Development Companies has purchased 431 Broadway (former Two Guys) for $4.9 million and are presently negotiating with perspective tenants. Several improvements are planned for both the interior and exterior of the buildings. This will be another big lift for Menands, especially at the north end of the Village.

We continue to work with DOT, CDTA, the Town of Colonie and National Grid to improve crossing Broadway near Village One Apts. I am very grateful for the cooperation of all involved for their efforts in assuring the safety of the residents.

GCR Tires is completing improvements to their facade and the building looks great. We are always appreciative of any upgrades to businesses as it not only improves their appearance but also encourages others to follow suit.

Concerts in the Park begin July 7th. Watch for the 2015 Summer Schedule in the next Newsletter.

Until next time,

Mayor Meg