The Eastwick Press Newspaper

Eastern Rensselaer County's Community Newspaper

Local News

New Medical Building Gains Brunswick Planners’ Approval

By

By Doug La Rocque
Following a sidewalk to nowhere issue and delays over sewer design and easements, Paulsen Development’s application to construct a two-story medical building at 112 McChesney Avenue gained conditional approval from the Brunswick Planning Board at their Thursday, December 15 meeting. Those conditions were numerous, however. 

Water and Sewer Department Superintendent Bill Bradley has given his approval to the preliminary sewer design, although [Read more…] about New Medical Building Gains Brunswick Planners’ Approval

Rensselaer County Purple Heart Highway 

By

Submitted by the Office of NYS Senator Daphne Jordan
On Monday, December 12, Signage designating the Rensselaer County Purple Heart Highway was officially unveiled during a special ceremony. The signage was established via bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Daphne Jordan and Senator-Elect Jake Ashby to honor the courage of Rensselaer County Purple Heart heroes. The sign was unveiled at the American Legion Melvin Roads Post 1231, 200 Columbia Turnpike, Rensselaer.

The bipartisan legislation renames State Route 43, beginning at the border of Massachusetts just east of Stephentown, and ending at the intersection with 1-90 in North Greenbush, as the Rensselaer County Purple Heart Highway. The measure passed both houses of the State Legislature during the 2022 session with strong, bipartisan support, and was signed into State law by Governor Kathy Hochul on August 12. [Read more…] about Rensselaer County Purple Heart Highway 

Barbara J. Greene – Obituary

By

Brunswick – Barbara J. Greene, 85, passed away on December 4, 2022 at her home, with her loving family by her side, after a short illness. Born in Saratoga Springs, she was the daughter of the late Frank Noyes and Ellen McCullum Noyes, and the loving wife of 67 years to Albert J. Greene, Jr. Barbara for many years worked in the banking industry. She is survived by her husband Albert, her children David Greene of Grafton and Meg (Dan) Reiser of Melrose. She loved spending time with her grandchildren Daniel (Karly Dolen) Reiser, Jr., Jenna (Curtis) Beck and Elara (Thomas) Foley. In addition to her mother and father, Barbara was predeceased by her sister Nancy O’Reilly. Family and friends were invited to call on Thursday, December 8. Funeral services followed. The family asks in memory of Barbara, to thank a veteran, and go out to eat and enjoy yourself with family and friends. Please visit www.mcloughlinmason.com.

Honoring Henry G. A. Higgitt

By

By Amy Modesti
On Monday, December 12, a ceremony was held to honor and remember the life of Henry G. A. Higgitt. Born December 9, 1900, in Troy, Higgitt enlisted in the New York Army National Guard, serving in the Support Company, 2nd Infantry Division. Enlisting in the United States Navy in Albany, he served aboard the USS Eagle, USS Sacramento, USS Patonka, and USS Denebola. He served in the US Naval Reserve and Naval Training Station later in his military career tending to boilers in a ship’s engine room. Higgitt was honorably discharged on June 9, 1946, awarded with the World War II Victory Medal and American Campaign Medal.  [Read more…] about Honoring Henry G. A. Higgitt

Brunswick Solar Moratorium, Housing Code Changes Approved

By

By Doug La Rocque
Two issues, one that has been before the Brunswick Town Board for only a few months, another that has been discussed for more than a year, saw action taken at the Thursday, December 8 meeting.

First was changes to Town Code as they related to construction of two-family and multi-family homes. Density concerns sparked a moratorium on such consideration and construction in late 2021 while the Town looked at where such construction should be allowed and consideration of a density factor. That moratorium was eventually extended twice. The initial changes, which involved several code modifications, met with some opposition at a public hearing, and were pulled back. The newer version was approved as a local law, and takes effect upon filing with the New York State Secretary of State’s Office. [Read more…] about Brunswick Solar Moratorium, Housing Code Changes Approved

Grafton Resolution 62 Sparks Debate, Passes 4-1

By

By Chris Tergliafera
The major point of interest at the Monday, December 12 regular meeting of the Grafton Town Board was resolution 62, which admonished Supervisor Ingrid Gundrum for alleged ethical misconduct, and urged her to immediately resign. At the meeting, attorney for Supervisor Gundrum, David Gruenberg, read a letter he wrote, claiming the findings by the Ethics Board should not be considered because when the Towns Ethics Board laws changed in 2021, a new Board was never appointed, meaning the current Board shouldn’t have existed past December 31, 2021. Rensselaer Plateau Alliance Executive Director Jim Bonesteel also submitted a letter saying he believes there was no ethical misconduct. Both letters are available for view on the Town’s website, in the packet for the December 12 meeting, as is the letter from Kevin Luibrand, of Luibrand Law Firm, PLLC, that was the catalyst for the creation of resolution 62.

Several residents spoke up in support of Supervisor Gundrum, others stated they just wanted the matter resolved, as they feel it’s dividing the Town. When all was said and done, resolution 62 [Read more…] about Grafton Resolution 62 Sparks Debate, Passes 4-1

A Message From Town Supervisor Tistrya Houghtling 

By

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our Deputy Town Supervisor, community ally, and wonderful friend, Charles “Doug” Banker. There will be a celebration of his life at Zucchini’s restaurant in Pittsfield on Sunday, December 18, at noon. Donations can be made in his honor to the Cemetery of the Evergreens, where he served as a volunteer for many years. You can also take a moment to share a memory to be included in his keepsake book. All of the information about his celebration of life, how to make a donation, and how to share a memory can be found by visiting memorials.parkerbrosmemorial.com/book-of-memories/5086626/Banker-Charles/.