On Monday, October 10, the Brunswick Elks Lodge 2556, under the leadership of Exalted Ruler Mike Pendergast and House Committee Chair Rick Seguin, hosted a turkey dinner fundraiser. The dinner was served by the men and ladies of the Elks to a sold out crowd at their lodge on Rt. 2 in Eagle Mills. A large number of take-out orders were also served, with all proceeds being donated to support the Grafton Food Pantry at Our Lady of the Snow Church, Owens Rd, Cropseyville. The Pantry is open 10 am to 2 pm, every Saturday. It serves guests from the eastern Rensselaer County area including Brunswick, Grafton, Petersburgh, Berlin, and Hoosick Falls. Anyone in need is welcome. The pantry provides canned staples, baking necessities, eggs, dairy and cheese items, all areas of personal care, frozen and fresh meat, bread, fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as dog and cat food. [Read more…] about Elks Charity Fundraiser
Brunswick
No More Sidewalk to Nowhere
Brunswick Planning Board
By Doug La Rocque
During a recent public hearing on Paulsen Development’s desire to construct a two-story medical building on McChesney Avenue, the issue of a sidewalk in front of the building was discussed. The owner stated he was not opposed to it, except that there are currently no other sidewalks, concrete or otherwise, between the rear Walmart entrance and Hoosick Road (NYS Route 7). He did state he saw no need for a sidewalk if there was nothing to connect it to. At the Planning Board’s Thursday, October 6 meeting, the issue was resolved. The owner agreed to put the money for a sidewalk in escrow, to be built if any connecting sidewalks are ever constructed. [Read more…] about No More Sidewalk to Nowhere
Brunswick’s Sidewalk to Nowhere
by Doug La Rocque
Prior to the Thursday, September 15 Brunswick Planning Board meeting, a public hearing was held on Paulsen Development’s plan to build a two-story medical building at 112 McChesney Avenue (adjacent to the side entrance to Market 32).
The two main points raised at the hearing where the size of the complex and pedestrian traffic. Ortho NY is the proposed tenant, and one speaker asked if the Brunswick complex would rival the Ortho NY facility on Everett Road in Colonie. The answer was no—in fact it would only be about one fifth of the size. The second issue is whether there would be a sidewalk in front of the building. The developer stated they were not opposed to a sidewalk, but asked if other portions of the road would have sidewalks installed as well. They contest a sidewalk just in front of their building, with no connections on either end, would really be a sidewalk to nowhere and were opposed to such. The also asked if such a sidewalk would actually be on private land, which could make them liable for any injuries. If so, they were again in opposition. [Read more…] about Brunswick’s Sidewalk to Nowhere
Brunswick Tailgate Sale
On Sunday, October 9, from 7:30 am to 12:30 pm, Brunswick Grange will hold their annual fall agricultural tailgate sale at the Schaghticoke Fairgrounds, Rt. 67 and 40. More than 50 vendors will have varieties of chickens, ducks, geese, pigeons, veggies, plants, and other agricultural items. Absolutely NO dogs, cats, puppies, or kittens will be allowed for sale. A donation of $15 per vendor will be charged at the gate. Spectators are free. The event will be held rain or shine. For more information call 518-279-9113.
Fatal Pedestrian-Auto Crash on Route 2
Rensselaer County Sheriff Press Release
On September 12, at 9:06 pm, the Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene of a pedestrian-automobile accident on NY-2 and Blue Factory Road in the Town of Brunswick.
Upon arrival to the scene, Deputies spoke with members of the responding Fire Department and determined the male pedestrian was deceased. The vehicle involved was off the roadway a short distance from the scene, with members of the Fire Department working to [Read more…] about Fatal Pedestrian-Auto Crash on Route 2
KFC Comes to Roost
by Doug La Rocque
Kentucky Fried Chicken opened its fifth restaurant in the greater Capital Region on Tuesday morning, September 15 at 668 Hoosick Road, next to Planet Fitness. The Grand Opening included a “Free Chicken for a Year” gift card for the first 50 customers through the door. (They did not last long). Owned by KBP Brands, this new eatery plans to hire 50+ new team members and offers what they label as competitive wages, benefits, flexible schedules, and scholarship opportunities. Those interested can apply at www.KFC.com/careers. [Read more…] about KFC Comes to Roost
IDA Tables Solar Request
More Residential Traffic Complaints
by Doug La Rocque
There were two meetings of importance to the Town of Brunswick on Thursday, September 8. The first was held by the Rensselaer County Industrial Development Authority (IDA) where a request by CVE North America for sales and mortgage tax exemptions and possible funding was discussed. The Town vehemently opposed the request with a letter from Supervisor Phil Herrington read into the record at a public hearing, held just two days earlier. The Supervisor pointed out the commercial solar project already has agreed to a Payment in Lieu of Taxes stipulation, which affords CVE a significant tax break. Mr. Herrington further stated that except for the construction period, the project does not create any full-time jobs and asked that the request be rejected. [Read more…] about IDA Tables Solar Request
Enough of a Tax Break Already
by Doug La Rocque
That was the unanimous sentiment expressed by those in attendance at a Rensselaer County Industrial Development Agency (IDA), public hearing held Tuesday morning, September 6, at the Brunswick Town Hall. The subject of the hearing was a request by CVE North America for funding as well as both sales tax and mortgage tax exemptions, something the Town of Brunswick vehemently opposed. In a letter to the IDA, Brunswick Town Supervisor Phil Herrington pointed out the solar development firm (which has an approved project yet to be constructed [Read more…] about Enough of a Tax Break Already
The Ambulance Response Time Problem
by Doug La Rocque
Injured or sick, call for an ambulance and keep your fingers crossed one will show up in a reasonable amount of time. That is perhaps a bit of an overstatement, but it bears out the frustration that Brunswick residents, emergency service personnel, and Town officials are feeling. To that end, the Brunswick Town Board held a workshop meeting on Tuesday, August 30, with a representative of the Cambridge Rescue Squad, the County’s 911 center coordinator, and members of area fire departments.
Call for an ambulance in Brunswick and the arrival time might be as little as five minutes or perhaps 30 minutes or longer. [Read more…] about The Ambulance Response Time Problem
Brunswick’s KFC Opening Delayed
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