Photos: State of the Town-Guilderland
The State of the Town event was held at Crossgates’ Lucky Strike Social on Tuesday, Feb. 12.
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
Peter Barber, Guilderland supervisor, said, “Please don’t panic,” advising residents that the first town- wide property revaluation since 2005 is being done carefully with informal hearings to make sure it is “right and fair.” He also said that the water connection with Rotterdam will be finalized soon, and he praised the new town-run ambulance service as an “ER on wheels.”
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
Daniel McCoy, Albany County executive, said county taxes are down 1.5 percent from last year but that the federal government shutdown will hurt, giving the county less to work with. “We have to change with the times,” he said, mentioning programs for elderly residents among other initiatives. He also praised Guilderland government.
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
Marie Wiles, Guilderland schools superintendent, said the district is becoming more diverse — 85 percent white — with students speaking 41 different languages. A pared-down capital project will be put up for a revote on May 21, she said, adding that a quarter of the district’s electricity will soon be coming from a solar farm in Altamont.
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
Timothy Wiles, director of the Guilderland Public Library, said 500,000 books are checked out annually. He’s hoping the now “drivable library” will become a “walkable library” as three apartment complexes are planned nearby and a new sidewalk has been built. An $8 million upgrade will go to public vote on May 21, he said.
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
Michelle Viola-Straight, president and chief executive officer of the Guilderland Chamber of Commerce, called the community “amazing” and praised Crossgates Mall for changing with the times to remain prosperous in an era when many malls are struggling. The State of the Town event was held at Crossgates’ Lucky Strike Social.