The Eastwick Press Newspaper

Eastern Rensselaer County's Community Newspaper

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Stephentown Town Board Highlights

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by Denise Wright
The Stephentown Town Board met on August 15 and passed some essential amendments and resolutions, but also discussed an impending pilot program that should have more information available in September. 

The transfer station report wanted to remind residents that permits will be on sale at the end of the month, and at this point, there will be no changes in pricing, and that clean-up day is officially finished and was successful. It was discussed that the Town is finalizing a pilot program to dispose of paint according to new State guidelines. New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced this program in May 2022 to make it easier for households and businesses to safely dispose of leftover paint. DEC will oversee the program, which PaintCare will operate to manage unwanted architectural coating products and provide for recycling or proper disposal. To participate, residents will have to [Read more…] about Stephentown Town Board Highlights

Brunswick’s KFC Opening Delayed

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by Doug La Rocque
KFC, which is part of the Aldi complex still under construction, had sent out a press release that they planned to open for business on Tuesday, August 16. However, a condition imposed by the NYS Department of Transportation (DOT) stated the newly installed traffic light at the corner of Lord Avenue and Hoosick Road must first be functional. It is not. Speaking with Brunswick officials, they tell The Eastwick Press the DOT has indicated it might put the light on flash by the end of the week.

Code Changes Not Yet Ready for a Vote
The Brunswick Town Board is once again looking to extend the ban on [Read more…] about Brunswick’s KFC Opening Delayed

Audio Comes to the Bennington Battlefield

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In its latest initiative to enhance the visitor experience, the Friends of the Bennington Battlefield have added an audio dimension to the ten signage panels placed on the Battlefield two years ago.  

Each signage panel now bears one or more audio-connected QR codes. Point your smartphone camera at the code, tap the link that appears on your screen, and an audio file will play. You will hear a short musical prelude under a concise spoken introduction, then an actor’s voice speaking words from history, including accounts from inside the Battle, keyed to panels located at the scene of the action described. The narrations are between 30 seconds and two minutes long.  [Read more…] about Audio Comes to the Bennington Battlefield

County Recognized for Innovative Programs

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Rensselaer County was recently honored by the National Association of Counties (NACo) for four innovative programs that have been implemented or expanded to serve residents. The annual NACo Achievement Awards program recognize innovative County government programs from across the nation that are the cutting edge of public service or government efficiency and effectiveness. The following four services and initiatives were recognized:

Naloxone Now
This effort provides residents with an opportunity to obtain Narcan through curbside delivery to help fight often fatal drug overdoses, and is done on a no-questions asked basis. This was instituted during the pandemic to combat the opioid crisis. [Read more…] about County Recognized for Innovative Programs

Berlin CSD Capital Project Vote 

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Submitted by BCS Communications
On Friday, September 2, Berlin Central School District (BCSD) residents will vote on a Capital Project with two propositions. Proposition 1 will replace the Middle/High School’s aging fuel oil tanks for two below-grade 6,565-gallon propane storage tanks, along with furnishings, machinery, equipment, apparatus, implements, and fixtures, as well as site work. It is estimated not to exceed $781,250.

Proposition 2 will similarly replace the Elementary School’s aging fuel oil tank with two below-grade 4,000 gallon propane storage tanks and associated site work. This proposition also includes a long-awaited Outdoor Learning Center, which has been in discussion for many years. This Learning Center will also be a space for the community to use in the future in addition to students and teachers using it for educational purposes throughout the year. Proposition 2 is estimated not to exceed $946,875.

Taxpayer Impact
This capital project will have no tax impact to the taxpayers, through use of the district’s Capital Reserve Fund and State Aid associated with the project. [Read more…] about Berlin CSD Capital Project Vote 

Brunswick Housing Development Creeps Forward

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by Doug La Rocque
There was a resolution put forward to allow the 24 single home project to begin grading nearly half the site prior to Rensselaer County Health Department (RCDOH) septic approval, but it was tabled by the Brunswick Planning Board at their Thursday, August 4 meeting for further review. The resolution is a unique solution to a complex problem. The RCDOH approved the septic for 13 of the 24 sites, but could not act on the remaining 11 because of the extensive grading that must be completed first. The Board also brought forth some engineering questions they wanted address in relation to that grading. It is expected the Planners will vote on the resolution at their August 18 meeting.

The project is located on the north side of Brunswick Road (NYS Route 2) just west of Heather Ridge Road.

Medical Office/Surgery Center
There was a brief review of the proposal by Paulsen Development to construct a [Read more…] about Brunswick Housing Development Creeps Forward

Hoosick Town Board Hangs Out the Help Wanted Sign

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by Doug La Rocque
Hoosick Town Codes Enforcement Officer (CEO) Lloyd Moses has informed the Town Board that he will be leaving office on August 19. Mr. Moses has agreed to come in one day a week to deal with building permits until his replacement can be found. Speaking with The Eastwick Press following the Monday, August 8 meeting, Hoosick Town Supervisor Mark Surdam admitted “It leaves the Town in a bit of a lurch.” The Councilors agreed to begin the search for a replacement immediately through various forms of advertising and networking.

Also discussed that evening was changing the CEO to a full time position. Supervisor Surdam indicating he feels the scope of the job as it currently stands requires such a time commitment. Deputy Supervisor Eric Sheffer also suggesting the Town conduct an exit interview with Mr. Moses to enhance their comprehension of what the job really entails.  [Read more…] about Hoosick Town Board Hangs Out the Help Wanted Sign

Wounded Vet Run

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by Amy Modesti
On Saturday morning, July 30, over 300 motorcyclists, including members of the Rensselaer, Saratoga, and Warren County Sheriff’s Departments, as well as the New York State Police, rode in the Fifth Annual Upstate New York Wounded Vet Run for U.S. Marine Corps. Sgt. Jeffrey Combs of East Harrison, NY. Starting at the Brunswick Harley Davidson and ending at Wicked Pub and Eatery in Clifton Park, with Troy Police assisting with traffic control, motorcyclists and veterans came out to aid their comrade in droves.

Every year, Chairman Mike Drinkwine Jr., along with Eric Remington, who helped found the Upstate NY Wounded Vet Run with guidance from Andy Biggio of the Boston Wounded Vet Run, honor a veteran that was either injured in training or active duty, with proceeds raised going towards that individual. [Read more…] about Wounded Vet Run