Mayor Receives Award

Mayor John McDonald has been the recipient of the 2009 American Public Works Association Elected Officials Award. The award is given to those who show leadership in the area of regional public works.

The Mayor was recognized for his commitment and leadership in the areas of sustainability, green jobs, waterfront revitalization and for city projects such as the Bridge Avenue Bridge replacement and the North Mohawk Street Reconstruction.

The Mayor was also recognized for his work as a member of the New York State Heritage Advisory Board and chairmanship of the Capital District Transportation Committee.

River City Census Wager

Watervliet and Cohoes are no stranger to river city rivalry. And now, the two communities are battling over who will achieve greater participation in the 2010 Census.

If Cohoes wins, Mayor Mike Manning will supply Mayor John McDonald with a dozen hot dogs from Gus's. If Watervliet wins, McDonald will supply Manning with a dozen cupcakes from The Harmony House Marketplace.

The Chronicle will supply either winner Pepto Bismol.

Possible Break in 31 Year Old Arson Case

By Randy Koniowka

Number 110 Ontario Street is by most accounts just another empty lot in this old industrial city. However, 31 years ago, it was the scene of a horrific fire that claimed the life of 8 people. Among the dead were John Gratto Sr and his 7 children; Elenanor, 9; Evelyn, 8; Francis, 5; John Jr, 4; Edward, 2; and four month old twins, Patricia and Sarah. Only his wife, 29 year old Virginia survived.

Only several weeks after the incident, Virginia moved to Washington State and married an apple farmer in Okanogan. Authorities have since tried to determine if Virginia Gratto was responsible for the fire that claimed her family. Now, 31 years later, investigators may have a break.

According to KXLY in Spokane, authorities from New York have questioned the now Virginia Utigard regarding the events of June 2, 1978. Utigard was taken to the local sheriffs office where she was questioned for 7 hours. Utigard told KXLY that," I have nothing to hide because I didn't do it."

The fire, which is the deadliest in the history of the city, is still fresh in the memory for some on Van Schaick Island. "I remember that fire, it was horrible," recalls Darlene Koniowka of Bridge Avenue. "Everyone was talking about it, it was such a tragedy."

Authorities are providing no other details about the case. The fire was ruled an arson, and no arrests were ever made.

Cohoes Housing Market Showing Gains For 2010

By Randy Koniowka

While economists debate whether or not we have climbed out of the recession, and with unemployment still at record numbers in the Capital Region, the areas housing market is showing signs of improvement.

According to the Greater Capital Association of Realtors, the Capital Region of New York State showed excellent results for the month of February. Closed sales on homes and condos was up 23%. And in Cohoes, the number of closed sales is up 14.3% from last year.

Association President Laurene Curtin says that while we might not see improvement every month, the February numbers are a sure sign that the market is rebuilding itself. "The Capital Region market is alive and well."

Many realtor's believe that the 8,000 home buyer tax credit has resuscitated what was once a housing market on life support. "It's impact is big," says Association CEO James Ader. However, Ader is confident that even when the tax credit is no longer available, the market will remain strong. "The feeling is that when the tax credits expire, the market will continue to improve, it has been some time since so many indicators were positive at the same time."

The improvement in the real estate market comes as Cohoes seeks to build it's residential base. Several significant residential developments are set to break ground in the coming months, including the 408 unit Paddocks at Lexington Hills off of Saint Agnes Highway and the 134 unit Captian's Lookout on Van Schaick Island.

For anyone interested in becoming a home or condo owner, the GCAR will be hosting an open house, on April 17th and 18th. For more information contact GCAR CEO James Ader at 464-0191 ext. 16.

City Seeks Funds For Waterline

The Common Council tonight approved a resolution to apply for up to 600,000 in Community Development Block Grant Funding for a new water line on Van Schaick Island. The new line would serve the northern end of the island, north of Ontario Street.

According to Mayor John McDonald, the line would remedy the many longstanding issues with water that has plagued that section of the city for a number a years.

The city is currently in the process of replacing a waterline on the lower section of Vliet Street. That project, which will serve 153 residents, has been funded through the American Investment and Recovery Act at a cost of 715,929 and is said to create 27 jobs.

"America" by Abba Hillel Silver

Ever wonder what that plaque on City hall actually says? Wonder no more.

America is more than millions of people
America is all that the races of the world have wished to be
America is the realization of what the ages have hoped and labored for

God built him a continent of glory and filled it with treasures untold
He carpeted it with soft rolling prairies and columned it with thundering mountains
He studded it with sweet flowing fountains and traced it with long winding streams
He planted it with deep shadowed forests and filled them with song

Then he called unto a thousand peoples and summoned the bravest among them
They came from the ends of the earth, each bearing a gift and a hope
The glow of adventure was in their eyes and in their hearts, the glory of hope

And out of the bounty of the earth and the labor of men
Out of the longing of hearts and the prayer of souls
Out of the memory of ages and the hopes of the world
God fashioned a nation in love
Blessed it with a purpose sublime
And called it America

"Cohoes" by Patrick Carey 1888

Show me a word which you can choose,

That blends with rhyme as does Cohoes;

They Happy theme of bard or muse

Has none to equal thee, Cohoes.

The rosebud glistening with dews

Reflects the morning's saffron hues,

Whilst Nature's tints a joy diffuse,

Around thy happy homes, Cohoes.

The girls walking out in twos

Beside the Mohawk or the Meuse,

Or perchance beside the Ouse

Tread to the measure of Cohoes.

He who is troubled with the blues,

Who would his friends and foes amuse,

Let him some pleasant tale peruse,

Them stroll along thy streets, Cohoes.

The man who pays his labor dues,

Who trades with Christians and with Jews

Who always minds his p's and q's,

Is ever welcome in Cohoes.

The many fair and pleasant views,

Fairer, than are the London Mews;

Will never tire the man who sues,

For recreation in Cohoes.

Good reading in Dispatch or News,

Will many wholesome thoughts infuse,

And like some torch, or gentle fuse,

Arouse the minds in thee, Cohoes.

If softly blends its rhythmic coos,

With what we have and what we quese,

And still its loving note renews

To link itself with thee, Cohoes.

It sweetly rhymes with whose and woos;

And swiftly passes lurking ruse,

Then turns its thoughts to sav'ry stews,

The poetry of life Cohoes.

The man with numberless ados

And ills that oft his spirit bruise,

If he stop chalking billiard cues,

His friends, no doubt, will him excuse

And make life happier in Cohoes.

Now slowly does my meter ooze,

As tho' indulging in a booze,

Its dribbling nonsense it eschews

To sing the praises of Cohoes.

Still dost thou rhyme with fleecy ewes,

With North Carolina's Neuse,

And still the Muse another brews,

And bids farewell to thee, Cohoes.

Lack of Bus Service an Issue for Cohoes Senior

By Randy Koniowka

At 71, Anna Marie Flanagan shows no signs of slowing down. The retired addiction counselor and resident of Vliet Street has more energy than some half her age. And like many Cohoes Seniors, she relies on public transportation to get around.

An avid bus rider, Flanagan purchases monthly passes from CDTA. And while some trips to parts of the Capital Region can take hours, Flanagan was content with the bus service. That is until one cold January morning when she received a letter from CDTA as she boarded the number 82 bus.

In a copy of the letter obtained by the Chronicle, CDTA states that, "it will operate its regular route service on holidays in accordance with State and Federal holiday schedules. This service allows for efficient and effective cost savings measures when fewer businesses are open and fewer people are riding the bus."

The holiday schedule is by all accounts an acceptable reduction in service for as CDTA points out, fewer people ride the bus on these holidays. The list includes such observances as Christmas and New Years. But added to the list this year is Martin Luther King Day, President's Day and Veteran's Day. While most Capital Region communities can live with the lack of service on holidays, Cohoes, which has no bus service on Sundays, is left with no bus service on these days.

For Flanagan, that means having to walk to Lansingburg in order to get a bus out of Cohoes. "We can't expect our seniors to walk to Lansingburg just to be able to get on a bus," says Flanagan.

The lack of service in Cohoes is not just a problem for seniors who need to get to out of Cohoes. As Flanagan points out, not everyone has the day off on State and Federal holidays such as Martin Luther King Day and President's Day. "People need to get to work. I talked to a women who spent 24.00 on cab fair to get to work in Albany on Martin Luther King Day. She ended up being 15 minutes late, and was almost fired. The importance is getting to work."

And Flannagan got to work. She started a petition for Sunday and Holiday service in the City of Cohoes of which to date, 119 have signed. She submitted letters to both Mayor John McDonald and Executive Director of the CDTA, Carm Basile.

Mayor McDonald shares her concerns. "It is a concern no doubt, especially with the swiftness of change. As chairman of the Capital District Transportation Committee, I am keenly aware of the challenges that all partners in transportation have. However, as Mayor of the City, I am concerned that recent cutbacks and further cutbacks will have a negative impact on our residents."

Flanagan even invited McDonald to ride the bus with her, to which he agreed. "No better way to understand the dilemma then to experience it for oneself," says McDonald. Executive Director of the CDTA Carm Basile has agreed to meet with Flanagan and the Mayor in hopes of finding a solution.

As for Flanagan, she is determined to stay the course. "I'm not letting this one go, I will take this as far as I need to take it, Albany, Washington, wherever."

Fate of Armory Uncertain

By Randy Koniowka

It is safe to say that the Cohoes Armory has seen better days. Constructed in 1892, and designed by Isaac Perry, the Armory has played witness to many of the 20th century's global conflicts. It's massive interior was once the home of Cohoes Company B of the New York National Guard. The unit was called into service during the Spanish American War, World War I and World War II.

The Guard vacated the Armory in 1964 and in 1972, the Castle like structure was purchased by Oscar Cramer, who for the next 25 years, operated Cramer's Armory, a uniform apparel store.

Cramer left Cohoes in the mid 90's and moved his operation to Latham. Since that time, the Armory has had a difficult time finding it's place in the urban fabric of Cohoes. Looking at the 118 year old structure today we see a building that is battered and badly bruised.

The current owner, Midnight Enterprises, has filed for bankruptcy protection and owes Albany County several years of back taxes. According to Cohoes Community Development Director Ed Tremblay, this has held up any potential redevelopment. "There has been some interest for light manufacturing and even an indoor sports complex. However, any offers have to be approved by the bankruptcy court."

While transforming a former Armory can be a daunting challenge, other Capital Region Armory's have seen success in recent years. The Washington Avenue Armory in Albany is now a sports and entertainment complex. The former Troy Armory is now the RPI student union. And in Amsterdam, the former Armory there is now a single family home.

John MacAffer of CB Richard Ellis in Albany, thinks that the Cohoes Armory has a good chance of reuse as well. "There is a very broad spectrum of uses, it would be great as a gym/community center, or for a local manufacturing business. I have even had interest from military buffs around the country, I'm optimistic."

The 24,000 square foot building at corner of Heart and Main Streets in Cohoes is priced at $280,000. John MacAffer of CB Richard Ellis can be reached at 518-452-2700 ext 111.

Local business Sees Success Despite Down Economy

By Randy Koniowka

The motto was simple. When you buy New York, you build New York. The plan was ambitious. Take 12,000 square feet of retail space in downtown Cohoes and create a culinary destination.

Four years later, The Harmony House Marketplace has indeed become a destination to food and wine lovers all over the Capital District.

But the road to success was bumpy to say the least. "Going in, we were uncertain" says co-owner Diane LaCivita. LaCivita, along with Jane LaCivita Clemente have managed to turn the former Dietchers Wallpaper complex on Remsen Street into a bastion of local food and wine. And just last year, Harmony House became home to a resident cheese maker.

But the offerings at Harmony House don't end with great food and wine. They also hold a series of cooking classes. According to LaCivita, "The educational aspect is a strong component of what we do."

The activity at Harmony House is not confined to the ground floor. Remsen Street Studios, a group of local artists has taken up residence on the upper floor. And with more space still available, Harmony House hopes to be home to other culinary and artistic endeavors.

Their success, however, comes during the worst economic downturn since the 1930's. But unlike many small businesses that are struggling to survive the recession, Harmony House has managed to succeed. "I can't complain" says LaCivita, "what we put in, we will get back."

Harmony House is just one of the many new businesses that have moved into downtown Cohoes over the last several years. Regarding the future of downtown, LaCivita is optimistic. "Cohoes is now on the radar, more retail would help, but it's baby steps."

Future plans include a tapas bar which will open this spring.

The Harmony House Marketplace is located at 184-190 Remsen Street, Cohoes New York

They can be found online at http://www.harmonyhousemarketplace.com/

HUD Allows Cohoes Projects to Move Forward

By Randy Koniowka

With banks still unwilling to lend and the credit markets as tight as a snare drum, two significant residential projects are moving forward in the City of Cohoes.

Phase II of the Harmony Mills Lofts is now underway adding 134 additional units to the former textile mill on North Mohawk Street. And on Van Schaick Island, Watersview, a proposed apartment complex is close to securing its financing for a 220 unit development on Lenahens Field, on the northern end of the island.

Both projects would have proven unlikely if not for a mortgage guarantee from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Renewal.

"This is a great opportunity as banks are just not lending money yet" says Ed Tremblay, Director of Community Development for the City. "Without the HUD program, it is near impossible to move forward."

The HUD program is administered by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). Since 1934, the FHA has secured over 37 million home mortgages and 47,205 multi family project mortgages. Currently, the FHA has 5.2 million insured single mortgages and 13,000 multifamily projects in its portfolio.

Once a mortgage is guaranteed by HUD, lenders are more inclined to issue credit seeing that if the mortgage holder defaults, the bank would still receive it's money from the federal government.

However, with nearly 450 units in Cohoes already backed by HUD, future residential development will have to rely on privately secured financing. According to Tremblay, "they (HUD) feel that it would be too much exposure to do any other projects in the city."

Those future projects include Captain's Lookout, a proposed 142 unit condominium development on Delaware Avenue on Van Schaick Island. Even with the tight credit market, the city hopes that the first building of the project will be built sometime this year.

As for Watersview, Construction could begin this year and take several years to complete.

Phase II of Harmony Mills, already under construction, is set to be completed sometime in 2011.

Little League suffers vandalism

By Randy Koniowka


In an apparent act of teenage angst, the Cohoes Little League has been the victim of Vandalism. Sometime during the last several weeks, vandals struck the Berkley Avenue complex breaking windows at the fields concession stand.

League President Anthony Savaria says the damage is minimal, but with opening day just over a month away, it makes things all the more difficult. "Its just frustrating, i have a hundred other things to do, so this just adds to the list."

Savaria says that vandalism is nothing new at the complex and the league is working on improving the lighting and have asked Cohoes Police to increase the patrols in the area. He also wishes that whoever did this think about the kids. "Many of the teenagers today played little league, so please don't ruin it for those who are playing now."

Anyone with information is asked to call Cohoes Police at 237-5333.

Anyone wishing to help the league can send donations to The Cohoes Little League, PO BOX 652 Cohoes, NY 12047

Community room sparks debate

By Randy Koniowka

It has been nearly 125 years since a new structure was built in what is now the Harmony Mills National Historic Landmark District. But build a new structure is exactly what the Community Builders plan to do.

The Community Builders Inc, a national non profit, is under negotiations to purchase numerous apartment units throughout the City of Cohoes. Among these units are the 19th century row houses which line North Mohawk Street.

Constructed between 1853 and 1865 for workers of the Harmony Company, the structures, according to the National Park service, "retain an exceptional integrity of form, massing, materials, and style. All of the houses in this section are in good condition and have preserved much of their original appearance, contributing to the National Historic District."

In its plans for the area, Community Builders seeks to construct a community room in what is now a vacant lot on the corner of North Mohawk and Front Streets. Good idea? Perhaps, but many historic preservationists in the city have concerns. The plans submitted by Community Builders call for a one story building with a pitched roof, gables, and white pillars. Some community members feel that the building is too suburban in character for such a district of national prominence and that Community Builders should reconsider not only the style of the building, but of the location all together.

And during a meeting of the city Planning Board Monday night, things got heated.

"If you want to keep the old buildings and vacant lots, why don't YOU buy them", exclaimed city planner Melissa Ashline- Heil to a member of the public expressing his concerns. Ms. Heil even challenged Planning Board Chair Joe Molughney to expedite the process, claiming that "there is no negative impact on the community, let's stop hanging these people."

Whether there is a negative impact or not has yet to be decided. A meeting of the city's Historical and Architectural Review Board will review a revised rendering of the structure as well as hear from a representative from the State Office of Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation. The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 17 at 6:30pm in City Hall.