There was a devastating fire in our community last week. There were unfortunately losses of life with one fatality and a family who was left with nothing. Many community members stepped in to assist by calling 911 and literally pulling someone from the burning building. I am so grateful to live in a place where people don't just sit back when there is an emergency. The Troy Fire Department did a great job getting the fire put out and keeping it contained. They also have some resources for the public about fire safety and prevention that I recommend taking a look at.
The community also came together to clean up trash in the neighborhood a few weeks ago. 8 of us covered about 12 blocks in North Central and filled about 8 bags with garbage. That is 8 bags less on lawns, on sidewalks, in sewers, being ingested by animals, and polluting the earth. I want to do these more regularly in different areas. If you or a friend or neighbor want to start leading some community clean ups, please reach out!
Now onto Legislative matters - Council has been working diligently on several things including the new local law to be introduced on Thursday for regulating ALPRs. The Science and Technology Committee will also be meeting this month for the second BESS check in. I have been in contact with other municipalities about how they are handling the technology as well as diving in deeper on specifics like how loud the units are compared to a standard electrical substation.
For this Thursday's meeting, in additional to the regular agenda, there will be a special finance meeting to go over the Annual Financial Report. The Administration delivered the annual report on time, but Council is still yet to see a single quarterly report. Some of the highlights I've found in the AFR:
- Debt increased 57% since 2024.
- Spending increased by $1.6 million since 2024.
- Revenues decreased by $1.5 million since 2024.
- The buffer the city has is dwindling with only about $750,000 in contingency funds.
Official City, Neighborhood, and District Meetings:
Thurs, May 7 - 6 pm - Finance then Regular City Council Meeting - Council Chambers - 433 River St. Troy, NY. Introduction of new local law for ALPR cameras, commendation of North Central Community Solidarity Group, and changes to the sewer fees and how they are calculated. Agenda can be found in the Agenda Center.
Tues May 12- 7pm - Lansingburgh Neighborhood Association Meeting - Lansingburgh Boys and Girls Club - 501 4th Ave, Troy, NY - There are some plans taking shape for the old Price Chopper in D1, apparently the developer and Mayor will be sharing the plans with the public and answering question.
Thurs May 21 - 6 pm - Council Committee Meetings - 433 River St, 5th Fl, Troy, NY - Public Safety, Science and Technology, and General Services are all planned for this meeting. Agenda can be found in the Agenda Center when released.
Sat May 23 - 10am - 12 noon - D2 Office Hours - Knickerbacker Park - 320 7th Ave, Troy, NY (weather permitting) - I will be set up at a table at the park to enjoy some time outside while speaking with you all! Come by and say hello! If it rains I will update social media with new location.
Community Events:
Sat, May 9 - 9pm - 9th Annual Joe Manupella Run - Lansingburgh Boys and Girls Club - 2501 4th Ave Troy, NY - Even if you are not running, come cheer on those who are! The 5K starts at 9:30am and there is a block party and raffles in the parking lot afterwards!
Tues May 12 - 5pm - Putting Out the Welcome Mat - Oakwood Community Center - 313 10th St., Troy, NY - A free dance performance done on a large mat of interlocking squares. Performance is estimated to be 90 minutes. Good for all ages.
Sat May 16 - 9am-2pm - Capital Roots Annual Plant Sale - Capital Roots - 598 River St. Troy, NY - Capital Roots will be holding their annual plant sale, a great opportunity for residents to get some lower cost veggies, herbs, and flowers for their gardens.
Sat May 16 - 12-2pm - Annual Plant Swap - Sanctuary for Independent Media - 3337 6th Avenue Troy, NY - Do you happen to have too many tomatoes and not enough basil starters? The Sanctuary hosts a plant swap each year so that plants can find a home! Free to the public.
Sun May 17- 1:30pm - 518 Craft Book Club - 518 Craft - 200 Broadway, Troy, NY - We will be discussing "Worker City, Company Town" by Daniel J. Walkowitz. This is a non fiction read that explores the Iron and Cotton unions in Troy and Cohoes in the 1800s. Lots of local history!
Mon May 25 - 1pm - Memorial Day Parade - Begins at Lansingburgh High, ends at Powers Park - City of Troy Memorial Day Parade. There will be a ceremony and food at the park at the end of the parade.
If you know of any community happenings please send them my way!
My final update this month is from the Troy Community Land Bank - they were able to arrange a new grant to help homeowners in Troy repair their homes. Unlike many previous grants, this one is for real repairs (roof, furnace, siding, electrical, etc.) that can help keep Troy housing stock in livable shape. It is open to owner occupied homes in Troy. You can read more about the program and apply on their website.
Thank you,
Shikole Struber
Troy City Council District 2