Plans for Sacred Heart Meet Neighborhood Opposition

By Randy Koniowka

For over 100 years, Sacred Heart Church has stood at the corner of Park and Forest Avenues on Van Schaick Island as a center of faith and family for generations of Cohoes Catholics. Built by French Canadian immigrants, the building is a landmark on the Island and in the City of Cohoes. Throughout it's rich and storied history, many came to Sacred Heart to celebrate, some came to mourn, but all came to pray.

However, since 2008, Sacred Heart Church has laid dormant, it's walls no longer reverberating with the sounds of the pipe organ. It's pews empty. It's spirit dark.

Citing lacking attendance, and the shortage of available priests, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany shuttered the building, as it has numerous churches throughout the Capital Region.

But a new day may be dawning for the landmark building. Life Abundant Ministries, led by Rev Timothy Fowler, is seeking to make Sacred Heart there new home. The congregation of roughly 20 families, is currently meeting at the Century House in Latham.

Rev. Fowler represented his congregation last night in seeking a use variance for the building at a meeting of the Zoning Board of Appeals. Because the building has been vacant for nearly two years, the zoning code required a variance, allowing for the building to be once again used as a church.

Nearly 45 residents of Van Schaick Island gathered to voice there opinions and concerns. Many who spoke were in opposition for Sacred Heart becoming a church once again.

"We don't need any more churches in the City of Cohoes," exclaimed Charles Scattergood of Park Avenue. "They are not going to be taxed, we need something that we can tax."

Tom McGrath of 3rd Street cited the fact that if Catholics could not support the building, why would another group be able to. He also brought of the issue of parking. "There is not enough parking in that area. What happens when the congregation grows to 50 or 100 people, there just won't be enough parking."

Rev. Fowler stated that he is willing to work with the community with any issues they might have. He said that the school district is constructing a new parking lot on Myrtle Avenue which might be able to be utilized by the congregation. He also stated that a shuttle bus could also be used, if necessary, to transport congregants to the church from various lots in the city.

The pastor also made clear to the neighborhood that the group is prepared to spend roughly 150,000 to restore the church to it's former glory. "Our members our very generous and I am willing to spend 12,000 out of my own pocket."

After nearly an hour of debate, the board unanimously approved the use variance. Board member Dan Kelly said it was the right decision. "It's great for a community to restore a historic building."

6th Ward Councilman Ralph Signoracci said that he was happy for those who will benefit. "I'm happy that the congregation will have a place for worship and that they are willing to work with the neighborhood in addressing their concerns. The board made a tough decision, but, I think it is for the betterment of the city. It could help prevent another eyesore or another Siliman Church.

Asked about the neighborhoods opposition, Signoracci said that he will work closely with the congregation to make sure that the concerns of the neighborhood are addressed. "I will work closely with the pastor to make sure that the quality of life on the Island remains as it always has."

Life Abundant Ministries has not yet closed on the property, but they are hopeful a deal will be worked out with the diocese in the coming months.

Rev. Fowler said he is looking forward to moving in and being a part of the community. "It is a beautiful building, we want to continue the tradition of Sacred Heart."

Canvass White, An American Visionary

By Randy Koniowka

This is part one in a series entitled "Notes on Cohoes History."

Prior to the opening of the Erie Canal in 1825, the area that would soon become a thriving industrial city was nothing more than a bucolic Dutch farming community. It was after all, the rich fertile soil of the Mohawk and Hudson River Valley's that attracted the Dutch to settle here.

However, a new age was dawning. And it would be the beginning of the greatest transformation of society in all human history. It was the dawn of the Industrial Revolution in America.

While Cohoes can claim many "founders," including such illustrious names as Henry Hudson, it can only claim one name as it's "industrial founder." The person that transformed a small farming hamlet into one of the greatest industrial centers in American history. That person was Canvass White.

If the name sounds famillar it should. We do after all have both a Canvass Street and a White Street. In fact, Canvass White is the only person to have both his first and last names used as city streets. Must have been an important guy.

"He was extremely important," says Daniele Cherniak of the Spindle City Historical Society. "His development of technology for the Erie Canal and his design for a power canal system, led to the industrialisation of Cohoes."

So who was Canvass White?

Born in Whitestown, New York in 1790, young Canvass would not be content in manual farm labor. His creativity lay beyond mere boyhood curiosity, for he devised many tools for daily use on his family's farm.

Unlike many young men of the era, he completed school. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the Army as a Second Lieutenant and fought the British during the war of 1812. Wounded, but not severely, he returned to New York to resume his studies in engineering.

In 1816, he joined the Army Corps of Engineers for the Erie Canal, which at the time, was the largest public works project ever attempted in the United States. One year later, he convinced canal commissioners to send him to England, where industrialisation was already well underway.

White returned with a trove of documents and drawings. His documentation of the English canals had provided canal commissioners with a blueprint for a way forward in New York. For there was little in the way of scientific documentation on canals in the United States in the early 19th century.

But what had perplexed engineers most of all, was how to construct the locks. They needed a cement that was suitable for lock construction, and for which none existed at the time. White developed what was called hydraulic cement and received a patent in 1820. It worked beautifully.

Canal commissioners used some 500,000 bushels of White's new cement. However, they never asked White's permission, nor ever paid him for the rights to obtain the cement. White filed suit against the state for a patent rights violation. The state settled with White for ten thousand dollars if he would discharge all patent rights claims against the state. White, however, would never get a dime.

When White arrived in Cohoes to begin work on the section of canal that needed to rise above the Cohoes Falls, he marveled at not only the falls incredible natural beauty, but of the immense potential for water power. The English has used water to power their industrialisation, and White knew the same could be done in America. When the Erie Canal was completed in 1825, White would devote all his attention to that very concept.

Looking out at the falls, perhaps at the spot where many of us do today, he envisioned a dam above the falls which would divert water into a series of canals, which could then be diverted to power turbines, which could power mills.

In 1826, with the financial backing of De Witt Clinton, Stephen Van Rensslear and Peter Remsen, the Cohoes Company was officially incorporated. It's initial working capital was 250.000.

According to it's charter, the company "shall have full right, power and authority to cut, construct, and make a canal or canals from said river, to supply water for the purposes of said corporation."

In 1830, White turned over daily operations of the company to his brother, Hugh. And in 1834, due to failing health, he moved to Florida where he soon died. He was just 44 years old.

Henry Clay once said of Canvass White, "no man more competent, no man more capable. And while your faith in his ability and fidelity increases, your friendship will grow into affection."

Indeed Canvass White was a man with incredible ability. But it was his visionary zeal, his remarkable capacity to look two steps forward and his dedication, both to the completion of the Erie Canal and to the industrialisation of Cohoes, that puts Canvass White in the distinct place he now sits in our history, that of a true American visionary.

Cohoes Author Set to Release Memoir

By Randy Koniowka

Looking at the corner of College and 8th Streets in Troy, it is hard to see any trace of the gritty ethnic neighborhood that once was. The two and three story flats that once dotted the landscape have been replaced by what is known as EMPAC, a 250 million dollar performing arts center built by Rensselear Polytechnic Institute. It now graces the hill where the self identified protagonist Herbbie Hyde spent his childhood.

Herbbie, now Herb, is set to release his new memoir, College and 8th, on Wednesday, April 28th from 7-9pm at the Bread and Jam Cafe on Remsen Street.

For Hyde, the book is an attempt memorialize his family, friends, and his former neighborhood. "The neighborhood was like an extended family, there was a real sense of community."

I asked Hyde how he feels when he looks at where his former neighborhood once stood. "I feel a real sense of loss, I wish they could have left a sense of what was there, of the people that lived and worked there. It's all gone without a trace."

The book follows the life of young Herbbie from infancy to adolescence. It's filled with numerous tales of childhood mischief, and of those who Hyde cites as the many characters that had an impact on his childhood.

However, Hyde details how there was one person who failed to make an impact on his life. His father left the family when Hyde was in the 8th grade and his departure left a deep void for many years.

At 66, Hyde has come to terms with his fathers abandonment. "When he left, I had no male role models, I had to muddle through my childhood. Although growing up with a house full of women made me better understand the emotional side of life."

This is Hyde's first published work, although he plans two others in order to tell the complete story of his life.

I asked him what he wants people to take away from the book. "I want people to get a sense of how we were able to overcome the challenges we had to face as kids. Childhood is a very important step in who you are. I'm afraid it's going to be much more difficult for my grandchildren. We knew we were poor, but you could get out of poverty in those days. Today we have created a permanent underclass. We must redevelop our industrial base."

The affable Hyde looks the part of the grandfather, complete with a full head of white hair and glasses. But don't let looks fool you. "I feel 18, well 18 mentally," he says. Now retired, Hyde is devoted to writing, and his four grandchildren. "My grandchildren are the light of my life."

A portion of the proceeds of College and 8th, will go to the Troy Boys and Girls Club.

Historic Board Gives Thumbs Up to Community Center Design

By Randy Koniowka

See Also: Community Room Sparks Debate Posted on March 11th.

The Cohoes Historical and Architectural Review Board gave preliminary approval last night to a proposed community center at 2 North Mohawk Street. The center is a part of a 15 million dollar plan by Community Builders to rehab 66 apartment units throughout the city.

This is the second set of designs reviewed by the board. The previous design concept was met with resistance from many on the board as well as members of the Spindle City Historical Society as well as some residents, who felt the design of the building did not fit with the historic nature of the area.

The entire North Mohawk Street Corridor is a National Historic Landmark District and any new construction must meet guidelines set by the Department of the Interior and the New York State Department of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.

Board member Herb Hyde felt that the new design is more in tune with the historic character of the area. "I love it, it's very pleasing to the eye. This will be a real asset to the community."

Architect Dave Sadowsky said that with any building, you have to start somewhere. "It's a process, and it evolved the way I thought it would. I have been through many similar processes like this. It works when everyone gets involved."

Susan McCann of Community Builders said that she is very pleased with the boards approval. "You try this and that," she said of the process.

McCann said they hope to break ground on the center in September but that they are still awaiting 1.4 million dollars in federal tax credits to complete their financing of the project. "It's the last piece of the funding we are still waiting on. It's very competitive, but I am hopeful."

The community center design will now go back to the City Planning Board for preliminary site plan approval.

Council President Steadfast Amidst Allegations

By Randy Koniowka

George Primeau is the classic American family man. Walk into his home on Western Avenue in the city and it becomes clearly evident from the proud display of photos, and the toys strewn about the garage by grandchildren.

I caught Primeau on a Saturday afternoon, he was assembling a new vacuum for the house. "These things don't last as long as they used to," he jested. We then moved into the dining room where we encountered his wife Sheila, who was on her way out.

Almost out the door, she paused, perhaps as if she forgot her keys. But it was a kiss for husband of 37 years that she almost forgot. "I love you," they both uttered to each other.

George Primeau has the hands of a working man. They are big, strong and grit stained. He is a mechanic by trade, and has owned and operated a body shop at the corner of High and Garner Streets in the city for decades. It's a family operation, with his son's and wife all partaking. Family is a running theme with George.

As we begin to discuss the recent allegations regarding ethics violations, Primeau becomes sullen. His melancholy becomes evident when he begins to discuss how the last several weeks have affected his family. "I have broad shoulders, I can handle this, but it's seeing my family get hurt that really bothers me."

Primeau is alleged to have benefited from a land deal regarding the residential development constructed in 2005 called Brighton Pointe. It is alleged that Primeau possibily used his office for personal gain, when he received a parcel of land at no cost from Marini Builders.

"I offered to pay for the land but Marini did not want anything for it. It's marsh land that Marini did not want or need. As for the paper street, there is legal precedent that entitles me to that land. As for the ordinance I sponsored, in hindsight, perhaps I should have abstained. If corporation council advised me to abstain, I would have. The ordinance was going to pass with or without me. It's what the neighborhood wanted, I was representing my constituents."

Primeau made it a point to detail that during his tenure on the council, he has made every effort to be honest and to not abuse his office. "When my son came to me saying he wanted to be a fireman, I was against it, both as a father and a councilman. He wanted me to talk to the Mayor, but I told him that I couldn't. I sponsored legislation discontinuing health benefits for council members. I also gave up a 25,000 contract with the city. I have never abused my office for personal gain."

I then asked Primeau about the validity of the allegations against him. "Take into consideration where it's coming from. There has always been a coup against us, they have always been after John. Believe it or not, I don't hate Tim Thibodeau, I understand this coming from Timmy. It's when it comes from a member of the Council that is most upsetting. They are using this as a way to get ahead and they don't care who they step on."

Primeau would like the Albany County District Attorney to look into the matter in order to bring closure. "We need to get back to work on the positive things going on in this city. Ever since the story came out, I have been getting calls from people I have not heard from in years saying things like, stay strong, keep fighting, we need you in City Hall. I am proud of the work we have done in the past 11 years and we have more to do."

Primeau is in the middle of his thrid term on the Council and has every intention of running again. I asked Primeau that inspite of everything, why he just doesn't call it quits. "I'll do this until I don't have it in me anymore. I enjoy helping people and I feel like I have made a difference. I love the city of Cohoes, thats why I do it."

Marra's Sponsors Drug Disposal Program

By Randy Koniowka

Starting today, and continuing through this week, you can take most unwanted pharmaceuticals to Marra's Pharmacy where they will be properly disposed of. The program is being tied in with earth week, and according to Mayor John McDonald, is off to a great start. "We have had 10-15 people come in since yesterday."

According to McDonald, it's a program they have been talking about for years. "It's something we always wanted to do. The program will cost us around 500 dollars, but it's not about the money. It's a good community thing to do, it protects our families and our environment."

However, controlled substances such as hydro codeine and some hazardous drugs such as nitroglycerin, cannot be accepted. For these, McDonald recommends removing them from the identifiable container, grinding them down with coffee grinds or cat litter, placing them in a sealable container and disposing in the regular trash.

According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, pharmaceuticals that are flushed down the toilet can wind up in waste water, which goes into our rivers and streams, which then go into our municipal water systems. A 1999-2000 nationwide study conducted by the United States Geological Survey, found low levels of hormones, antibiotics, and contraceptives in the water bodies that were tested.

Asked if whether they will conduct the program in the future, McDonald stated, "Let's see how this week goes, but it's definatly something we look toward as a long term continual process."

For more information on the proper disposal of pharmaceuticals, go to http://www.dontflushyourdrugs.net/

Marra's Pharmacy is located at 217 Remsen Street and can be reached at 238-2110 and online at http://www.marrarx.com/

Wine, Art and Awareness on Remsen Street

By Randy Koniowka

Nearly 100 people gathered at Harmony House Marketplace Saturday evening for a night of food, wine and art, all to support the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life.

The event was the brainchild of Lisa Heffner. A Schenectady native, Heffner has been planning events for the American Cancer Society for the past three years, but last nights event was the first of it's kind. "I had a vision for a wine tasting, especially one that featured New York Wines."

"When I heard about the Wine Cellar here on Remsen Street, I knew it would be the perfect location for our event. And, wine is also a great draw." Heffner, like many others, has had cancer touch them personally. "I have lost friends and family, including my grandmother to cancer, so that is my motivation."

The event also showcased the photography of Paula Symanski. Symanski, a Latham native, has been a professional photographer for nearly 15 years. Tis particular exhibit took her 10 years to complete. "It tells a story of a world I want to live in, a world without cancer."

Symanski has also had cancer touch her life in a personal way. "I have lost several relatives and friends, but I also know a lot of survivors. People are surviving cancer now more than ever, and that story needs to get out there."

All proceeds will go to fund the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life event in Scotia. Participants camp out at the local High School and must keep at least one person walking on the track at all times throughout the night. "It is such a beautiful ceremony," says Symanski. "When night falls and all the candles are lit, it really takes your breath away."

Symanski also noted the importance of the American Cancer Society and what they do locally. "A lot of people don't know what the ACS does. The ACS is not just for research, it offers free wigs, rides to and from treatment, and support services. Most importantly, all the money raised stays right here in the Capital Region."

Asked if she thought if we would win the fight against cancer, Symanski is optimistic. "We are ahead of the game, I would love for my little nieces to grow up in a world without cancer."

This years Scotia-Glenville Relay For Life will be held on June 11-12th at the Scotia Glenville High School. Anyone wishing more information for that event, or on how to start a Relay for Life in your community, should contact the American Cancer Society's Albany office at 1-800-227-2345.

According to the ACS, 562,340 Americans will die of cancer this year.

Brookfield in, Green Island Out, at Cohoes Falls

By Randy Koniowka

The Green Island Power Authority's plan for a 75 million dollar power generating facility at the Cohoes Falls has been denied by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The Commission chose to reinstate the license to the Canada based Brookfield Power.

In it's decision, the Commission stated that; "the Cohoes Falls project as proposed by the Green Island Power Authority is not economically feasible and that the School Street Project (Brookfield) is best adapted to serve the public interest."

Julie Smith-Galvin, a spokesperson for Brookfield, said that they are pleased with the decision by FERC. "Throughout the entire process, we remained confident that the School Street project is the highest and best use of the Mohawk River, consistently balancing environmental, historical, public recreation, and power generation needs."

Galvin also stated that they are committed to Cohoes and the School Street site. "We have invested millions of dollars in upgrading the facility and surrounding grounds, including 22,000MWh in new generation, enough to power 3,000 New York homes."

GIPA Chairman Jack Brown said in a statement that, "The Capital Region has lost 100 megawatts of power, an opportunity to restore the Cohoes Falls, and the opportunity to use that power to bring jobs here. Waterways are public assets, and GIPA strongly believes that hydroelectric power generated on the Mohawk River should put the interests of the people of the Capital Region ahead of private shareholders of a foreign company."

The decision comes after an August 2009 ruling by the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circut. The court decided in favor of GIPA's challenge on their denail of their application for a license at the School Street facility. The court mandated that FERC consider the Green Island project for the School Street site and remanded the matter for further proceedings.

Brookfield currently produces 4,000 megawatts of electricity in The United States, Canada and Brazil, mainly through wind and hydro methods. They operate 100 power generating facilities in the United States totaling 1,900 megawatts of capacity. They have been operating the School Street facility since 2002.

Council Gets Glimpse of School District Budget

By Randy Koniowka

Cohoes Schools Superintendent Robert Libby and other district officials presented their proposed budget to members of the public and the Common Council in a workshop last night at City Hall.

The 37,767,093 dollar budget calls for a 3% tax increase for city property owners. However, Superintendent Libby stated that the current figures are based on Governor David Paterson's budget and that the State Assembly is proposing to restore 700 million dollars to education. "3% is the highest the board wants to go," said Libby. "We are also in a holding pattern of sorts right now until we know what the final budget may look like."

Libby also stated that the building projects currently underway have not contributed to any increase in taxes. "Our building projects have been done with state money, they have not led to any increase for the property taxpayer."

The district will officially unveil it's budget to the public tonight at 6:30, at the Cohoes Middle School.

Also discussed last night was the Van Schaick Island Park project. The proposal calls for adding two additional tennis courts to the park along with reconstructing the basketball court, adding more green space, and discontinuing Continental Avenue between Myrtle and Van Schaick Avenues. Van Schaick Avenue would also be discontinued between Continental and Park Avenues to provide for safer access between the pond and playground areas.

Under an agreement still being worked out by attorneys for the District and the City, the School District would have use of the facility for tennis tournaments and for daily recess activities. City residents would also have regular use of the facility, with the District maintaining that section of the park.

Mayor John McDonald thinks it's a win win for everyone. "The District would be using the park during the daytime hours when traditionally, the park does not get much use by residents. It also alows for a much overdue upgrade to the playground equipment that we would not otherwise been able to do this year."

City and School District officials hope to being construction when the school year ends in June and have the project completed by September.

Library Hosts Writers Workshop

By Randy Koniowka

About 20 people gathered in the reference room of the Cohoes Public Library Monday evening in what was the first of four workshops on memoir writing.

The group was diverse, with some being published authors and others having no writing experience to speak of. Some came in search of direction as they plan to begin the process of writing memoirs of their own. "I want to leave a legacy to my kids," said Mary-Alice Bermingham of River Walk Apartments. "I came here looking for some direction."

Sue Cerniglia of East Greenbush had been turned on to memoir writing from her mother. "She had been writing memoirs for years, I want to be able to incorporate my story into the already rich family history."

The workshop is being led by Maria Gordett, who has taught writing at the college level for many years. She said she was impressed with the number of people that turned out. "Normally we would only see 5 or 10 people for this type of workshop." People really need something like this, they need a way to express themselves and there memories, I think the high turnout really exemplifies that."

City Librarian Sukrit Goswami says that he would like to do more workshops like this in the future. "It is encouraging to see the number of people that came out tonight. This is exactly what the library needs to be doing."

The next workshop will be on April 26th from 6-7:30. Anyone interested in attending should contact the library at 518-235-2570.

City Providing Free Safety Helmets

The City has announced that it will be continuing it's program of providing free safety helmets to children. The program is being administered through the Mayoral Foundation and the Brain Injury Association of New York State.

According to the assocation, falls from bikes are among the leading causes of brain injuries in the United States. Wearing a helmet is said to reduce the risk of injury by 88 percent. New York State law mandates all children under 13 wear a helmet when riding a biycle.

Helmets can be obatined by contacting the mayors office at 233-2119 or the Police Department at 237-5333.

Prayer Vigil Set for Green Island Boy

By Randy Koniowka

A Prayer Vigil will be held this Sunday from 6:30-9pm at the Riverfront Park in Green Island. The vigil is in response to six year old Daniel Dingley, who was seriously injured when fire ripped through his Green Island Home.

Upon arrival, firefighters encountered Dingley's frantic father who informed them that his son was still inside. Firefighters managed to push through the thick smoke and plucked Daniel from his burning home.

Dingley was taken to Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse. According to a family spokesperson, he underwent the first of many skin grafts today, and is resting comfortably.

A fundraiser is also being planned to help with the costs associated with a long hospital stay. That event will be held on May 1st starting at 4pm at the Knights of Columbus on Remsen Street in Cohoes. Tickets are 10 dollars at the door.

A Facebook page has been established where people can post prayers and well wishes to the family. It can be found at www.facebook.com . Search for Daniel Dingley Prayer Page.

Land Deal Brings Questions of Ethics

By Randy Koniowka

A 2004 and 2005 land deal between Common Council President George Primeau and the Clifton Park based Marini Builders, has sparked a internal investigation inside City Hall.

It all stems from the construction of a residential development off of Western Avenue in the city called Brighton Pointe, which borders Primeaus home.

Two parcels of land were given to Primeau, adding to his property area, in what some are alleging was a quid pro quo arrangement between Primeau and Marini Builders.

Copies of the deeds obtained by the Chronicle show no sale price and no mortgage tax paid for either parcel of land. One parcel, 200'x35' was the result of the discontinuance of a paper street that bordered Primeaus property.

A paper street is a street that only exists on city tax maps. They allow the city to retain the right of way to build a street in the future if they so desire.

A total of six paper streets were discontinued in an act of the Common Council in 2003. The legislation, sponsored by Primeau, was a necessary step in order for the development to proceed. That, according to a statement made by Mayor John McDonald in a 2005 article by the Troy Record.

The article was based on allegations made by an anonymous citizens group called CART, Citizens Against Rising Taxes. CART accused Primeau of what they identified as "buying his backyard back for one dollar."

In the article, Primeau went on record saying that the allegations by CART were "ludicrous and outrageous." He went on to claim that the paper street in question was divided between he and his neighbor and that they both benefited.

However,what Primeau and the article failed to mention, was that Primeaus son Dwayne, who's home also borders the development, received a free parcel of land from marini. That parcel, 156'x50' was also the product of the discontinuence of a paper street.

And nearly one year after the Record article was published, Primeau received another piece of land from Marini Builders, adding some 504 sq ft to his property, and in the process, creating a buffer between his home and the new development. According to Albany County land value maps, the land in question would have a value of between 700 and 800 dollars.

That would make the acceptance of the land a potential violation of the city ethics code, which states that no public official can accept a gift of over seventy five dollars in value, if a reasonable assumption can be made that he or she could, or has influenced legislation in favor of the party that gave the gift.

New York State Public Officers Law bans gifts of any nominal value, if it could be reasonably perceived that the gift was intended to influence or reward the person in the performance of his or her official duties.

This leads to the question of whether or not there was a quid pro quo arrangement between Primeau and Marini Builders. Meaning that the land given to Primeau was possibly used to influence his sponsorship of the 2003 legislation discontinuing the paper streets, and for his support of the development in general.

Mayor John McDonald does not think there was any such deal. "I don't think there was any backroom deal between George and Marini. The ordinance would have passed and the development would have proceeded with or without George. However, hindsight being 20/20, I would have advised George to stay away from the deal." The Mayor also said that the matter highlighted the need for ethics reform in Cohoes. "We need an independent ethics commission to deal with matters like this."

Sixth Ward Councilman Ralph Signoracci said that while he is unsure of whether or not Primeau committed any wrongdoing, he thinks the matter should be investigated. "The Council needs to look at this and it should be investigated. Personally, I would like to see the matter brought before the Albany County District Attorney's Public Integrity Commission. The Council does not have the resources, nor do we have the rules in place to handle this type of thing."

The City Council will take up the matter in executive session on April 13th. According to McDonald, the City has notified the District Attorney's Office and is awaiting a formal reply.

Council President George Primeau has not yet responded to the Chronicles request for an interview.

City Begins Neighborhood Revitilization Plan

By Randy Koniowka

The newly formed Brownfield Opportunity Area Steering Committee gathered Wednesday afternoon in what will be the first of many meetings as the group looks to develop a plan for the future of nearly 40% of Cohoes

The Committee, made up of both community members, city officials and representatives of Bergman Associates, met for nearly 2 hours in City Hall setting up the framework for what will be a year long process.

The plan is being funded by the New York State Department of State. The agency has a long history of working with local communities across New York in assisting with neighborhood revitalization efforts. "We have been working with Cohoes for many years," says David McLeod of the NYSDOS. "We pride ourselves in the way we work with local governments in assisting them with realizing their vision."

The plan will focus on the Eastern portion of the city, from Bedford Street and Central Avenue on the West, to Delaware Avenue on the East. This area encompasses most of Downtown, the Lansing Street Neighborhood, and all of Simmons and Van Schaick Islands. Within that large area are two separate study areas. The 787 or Cohoes Boulevard study zone and the Delaware Avenue zone.

Part of the goal of the plan will be to identify parcels of land throughout the study area for possible revitalization. Some of these parcels include the Maton Ship Yard on Deleware Avenue, the old city dump along 787, the former Shanahan Construction on Delaware, and the intersection of Dyke Avenue and 787, site of the former Juntca of the Eire and Champlain Canals.

The plan, however, will also look beyond the study areas, looking at the surrounding neighborhoods and will address issues including housing, infrastructure, economic development, traffic and waterfront access. "The plan will set a direction for Cohoes," says Andrew Raus, a senior planner at Bergman Associates. "Cohoes is very unique and well positioned as people are starting to change the way they live. They are now seeking recreation and well established neighborhoods. The city could have a true rebirth."

Cohoes has not been a stranger when it comes to neighborhood revitalization plans. Over the past 10 years, several plans including the Downtown Redevelopment Plan, the 470 Corridor Study, the Waterfront Land Use Study and the Van Schaick Island Traffic Study have been commissioned to spur revitalization. "We will work off of what those plans put forward," says Community Development Director Ed Tremblay. " We will build off of what they detailed, and in some cases add on to them, because some, like the downtown plan are almost 10 years old."

Over the course of the year, the steering committee will hold many neighborhood and general public meetings to gather input from the community. "It's your community," says Andrew Raus, "we just want to guide you along."

Members of the committee include, David McLeod of NYSDOS, Ed Tremblay, City Planner Melissa Ashline-Heil, City Grants Administrator Carol Shufelt, Senior Center Director Keith Hornbrook, and ward representatives Dean Defruscio, Mike Opalka and John Franier.

Traffic, Skunks Among the Topics at Town Hall Meeting

By Randy Koniowka

About 40 residents of the 6th Ward were not shy in voicing their concerns to Councilman Ralph Signoracci and Mayor John McDonald at a town hall meeting Monday evening at the Van Schaick Country Club.

It was the first of what Signoracci hopes are many forums in which residents can be heard on the issues. "It was a campaign promise I made when I got elected," said Signoracci, who is in the thrid year of his first term as councilman. "It's also a good way to touch base with everyone."

Discussion centered around traffic on the south end of the Island, especially once the Bridge Avenue Bridge is completed this fall. Questions were raised as to whether the traffic light at First Street and Bridge Avenue, which was removed when the bridge was closed, will be replaced.

Mayor John McDonald said that once the bridge is open, the city will be looking at several options for slowing down traffic on Bridge Avenue. And that the goal would be to divert most of the traffic onto Ontario Street, which is a more direct route from 787 to Troy.

The problem of excess garbage was also a concern for those in attendance. Marge Marois of Park Avenue angrily expressed her displeasure regarding broken glass and other debris strewn about in the alleys. "I was embarrassed to have my family over, this is the worst I have seen it in 50 years."

And in what might be a byproduct of excess garbage, the issue of skunks was brought up by many on the Island who have become all to accustomed with nightly run ins with the furry black and white varmints. Some even questioned the problem with skunks as a result to increased development in the area.

Mayor McDonald stated that the city is working to beef up it's enforcement relating to excess garbage and that they will be aggressively pursuing violators. The Mayor also noted that the north end of Green Island has seen major development over the past few years which could have also led to the increase in the skunk population.

The Skunks had no comment.