Archive » May 2022 » News

Altamont names new zoning board

by Sean Mulkerrin

On May 3, Mayor Kerry Dineen along with Trustees Nicholas Fahrenkopf and John Scally approved the seven new members of Altamont’s zoning board and an alternate, with one alternate yet to be named. 

Week CXIII: ‘Endemicity is not a victory,’ COVID researchers say

by Melissa Hale-Spencer

When Governor Kathy Hochul on Sunday afternoon, May 8, tweeted that she had tested positive for the virus — “Thankfully, I’m vaccinated and boosted, and I’m asymptomatic,” she posted — her followers were divided in their advice and remonstrances.

Berne Town Hall

Both Berne and Councilman Thiem received building permits from unqualified worker

by Noah Zweifel

Berne building inspector Jonathan Heigel is not qualified to issue building permits for construction projects without the approval of a code-enforcement officer, but granted some to the town and Berne Town Board member Albert Thiem anyway.

NYS to welcome ‘abortion refugees,’ sets up $35M fund

by Melissa Hale-Spencer

Governor Kathy Hochul said on Tuesday morning that $25 million will be used to expand access to abortions as she anticipates women will be coming from the 26 states poised to ban abortion once the Supreme Court hands down its decision. Another $10 million will be used to beef up security for abortion providers.

Albany County Opportunity gets $85K to decrease emissions

ALBANY COUNTY — New York State has $34 million in federal funding awards for over 1,000 homes to become more energy efficient. The money is to reduce energy costs for low-income homeowners and renters.

Betty Spadaro dies at 103, leaves a legacy of care

ALTAMONT — Betty Allen Spadaro — a friendly and no-nonsense realist — never stopped caring about Altamont.

Board to decide on shape of the school day for next year

by Melissa Hale-Spencer

High school Principal Michael Piscitelli said that the late bus arrivals this year “created a laissez-faire attitude about the start of school.”

Neil Gifford brings back birds and butterflies from the brink of extinction

by Melissa Hale-Spencer

Neil Gifford, the conservation director for the Albany Pine Bush Preserve, got his first job at the preserve literally setting fires, controlled burns.

Public can weigh in on Voorheesville overhaul

by Sean Mulkerrin

On June 7, Business for Good will propose demolishing buildings at 40 and 43 South Main St. — it already took down the old Stewart’s at 42 South Main Street — and replacing them with a tavern, café, and parking lot

WHO: Coronovirus death toll is more than double reported numbers

by Melissa Hale-Spencer

The report covers the 24 months between Jan. 1, 2020 and Dec. 31, 2021, representing 9.49 million more deaths than those globally reported as directly attributable to COVID-19.

Two sides on growth in Guilderland

by Melissa Hale-Spencer

One resident said more affordable housing is needed while another worried Guilderland doesn’t have the infrastructure to handle more growth.

Save the Pine Bush loses appeal to Guilderland, Pyramid

by Sean Mulkerrin

Thursday’s ruling from the state Supreme Court’s Third Appellate Division paves the way for construction and the approval process, respectively, to begin on Pyramid’s Rapp Road and Western Avenue projects.

Assemblyman Tague embarks on crusade to make milk whole

by Noah Zweifel

Assemblyman Chris Tague, of District 102, wants New York schools to offer whole and 2-percent milk to students to, essentially, ensure that they drink milk at all. Higher-fat milks are currently restricted by federal law because milk fats have been linked to higher levels of so-called “bad” cholesterol, which in turn is linked to heart disease. 

Voorheesville Planning Commission OKs new pizza place

by Sean Mulkerrin

“I never heard applause for an application,” said Voorheesville Planning Commission member Kathryn Scharl on Tuesday following the commission’s approval of Anthony Berghela’s special-use permit request to open a restaurant at 112 Maple Ave., once the home of Smith’s Tavern.

BKW ’22 election overview: Two candidates, no contest

by Noah Zweifel

On May 17, Berne-Knox-Westerlo voters will elect two school board candidates — both of whom are uncontested incumbents — and authorize an annual bus proposition, along with the 2022-23 budget and a proposal for the district to purchase a neighboring property for a new business office

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