The Eastwick Press Newspaper

Eastern Rensselaer County's Community Newspaper

More Clarity on Proposed Town Code Changes in Brunswick

By

by Doug La Rocque
It was more of what was not on the agenda that made news at the Thursday, June 2 Brunswick Planning Board meeting than what was on it. In particular, Planning Board Attorney Andy Gilchrist outlined some of the proposed changes to Town code in relation to multi-family dwellings and where they could be located.

Currently a number of locally zoned parcels have what is called an overlay attached to them. That means the restrictions or permitted uses for that zoned area can be altered if there is, say, an agricultural overlay as well. Anything allowed in the overlaid district would also permitted. These overlays, while well intended, have on occasion created some controversy, most recently involving the [Read more…] about More Clarity on Proposed Town Code Changes in Brunswick

Reimagine Plan Will Modernize and Improve County Government

By

Submitted by the Office of County Executive Steve McLaughlin
Rensselaer County will be undertaking an ambitious plan to improve County facilities, expand important County services and broaden access for the public to County government, County Executive Steve McLaughlin announced.

The Reimagine Rensselaer County project will modernize and strengthen County services at all levels. Funds for the project come from the surplus generated by the County the past four years.

“This is a major step forward for Rensselaer County, and will ensure a solid platform of facilities and services for future generations. This is an investment in our operations and the future viability of County services and government and how we serve the public,” said McLaughlin.

The resolution for the Reimagine Rensselaer County project has been introduced to the County Legislature, which may take up the resolution at the June 14 meeting. The Reimagine Rensselaer County expansion and improvement effort would utilize $26.8 million. [Read more…] about Reimagine Plan Will Modernize and Improve County Government

Ban Lifted on Poultry Shows

By

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball has announced the end of the bans on live poultry shows, exhibitions, auctions, sales, meets and swaps in New York State. The Department had previously issued the bans on March 25 and April 14 as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) spread across the United States. The decision to lift the ban comes as cases decrease nationwide, including in New York State, which has not had a detection of HPAI in nearly two months. Additionally, [Read more…] about Ban Lifted on Poultry Shows

Troy City Councilwoman Guilty of Absentee Ballot Fraud

By

The U.S. District Court in Albany announced on Wednesday, May 8, that Troy City Councilwoman Kim Ashe-McPherson has plead guilty to a felony count of submitting fraudulent absentee ballots in last year’s primary and general elections. As part of the plea, she has agreed to resign from the Council within 30 days. She has represented North Troy for seven years.

The plea is part of a federal grand jury investigation into ballot-fraud allegations in Rensselaer County.

Hoosick Falls Connection

Ms. Ashe-McPherson is the brother of former Hoosick Falls Police Chief Robert Ashe, who is also part of the investigation. It was for that reason he was suspended last December and resigned in April, after pleading guilty to separate criminal investigation involving the  appropriate removal of evidence. Mr. Ashe has not yet been charged in the ballot-fraud case.

Robert A. Oswald – Obituary

By

Cherry Plain – Robert A. “Bobby” Oswald, 77, died Wednesday, June 1, 2022 at Albany Medical Center. He was born in Cherry Plain on June 18, 1944, the son of the late John and Mary Teal Oswald.

Bob was employed by W.J. Cowee, Inc. in Berlin early in his life. He was a school bus driver for the Berlin Central School District for many years and also served as the Town of Berlin Highway Superintendent for four years.

Bob was the grave digger for over 40 years for all of the cemeteries in the Taconic Valley from North Petersburgh to Stephentown. He also served with great pride as the caretaker for the Berlin Community Cemetery also for 40 years and served on the cemetery Board of Trustees. [Read more…] about Robert A. Oswald – Obituary

Reimagining Rensselaer County

By

Reimagine Rensselaer County Plan will Modernize and Improve County Government, County Executive Steve McLaughlin and Legislators Announce

Effort Will Utilize Record Amount of Surplus Funds to Strengthen Services

Rensselaer County will be undertaking an ambitious plan to improve county facilities, expand important county services and broaden access for the public to county government, County Executive Steve McLaughlin announced.

The Reimagine Rensselaer County project will modernize and strengthen county services at all levels, said McLaughlin. Funds for the project come from surplus funds generated by the county during the past four years.

“This is a major step forward for Rensselaer County, and will ensure a solid platform of facilities and services for future generations. This is an investment in our operations and the future viability of county services and government and how we serve the public,” said McLaughlin.

“The funds come from surplus funds, and will allow for the improvements and expansions to be done without expensive bonding. We look forward to working with the County Legislature to make this project a reality,” added McLaughlin.

The resolution for the Reimagine Rensselaer County project has been introduced to the County Legislature, which may take up the resolution at the June 14 legislative meeting. The Reimagine Rensselaer County expansion and improvement effort would utilize $26.8 million. Along with county surplus funds, some funds from the federal American Rescue Plan would be utilized for the effort, and some previously budgeted funds would be used. [Read more…] about Reimagining Rensselaer County

Congresswoman Stefanik Introduced

By

On Tuesday, May 31, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik was introduced by Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin during a meet and greet at the Brunswick Community Center. This was the first event of its kind in the area since the redrawn congressional districts were finalized, making the majority of Rensselaer County part of Ms. Stefanik’s redrawn New York 21st District. 

Rensselaer County was originally moved from the 19th district to the 21st district after the maps were redrawn earlier this year, and subsequently thrown out as being gerrymandered. After briefly being placed in Congressman Paul Tonko’s 20th District by an appointed special master, and there being concern from several area mayors that their representation was being broken up among redrawn districts, the majority of Rensselaer County finally settled in the 21st district.

In addition to County Executive McLaughlin, Congresswoman Stefanik was joined by several others, including Assemblyman Jake Ashby and Rensselaer County Court Judge Debra Young.  [Read more…] about Congresswoman Stefanik Introduced

Elks Care, Elks Share

By

by Amy Modesti
On Monday, May 30, the Brunswick Elks Club #2556 continued their tradition of caring about the community and sharing their love of remembering our fallen veterans with their annual Memorial Day chicken dinner to-go event. 

“It’s an annual Memorial Day event and most of the proceeds go towards New York State Major Projects; the Cerebral Palsy Home Service Program,” said Exalted Ruler of Elks Mike Pendergast. Over 200 dinners were sold. 

Event goers also took part in a raffle for a chance to win $200 worth of lottery tickets and $100 cash to benefit the CP Home Service Program, put on by the Ladies Auxiliary. 

Brunswick Elks Club #2556 will present a corned beef dinner on Friday, June 3 and a clam steam luncheon Sunday, June 12. Reservations are required for both, and can be made by contacting Mike Pendergast at 518-286-1645. 

[Read more…] about Elks Care, Elks Share

Stephentown Clean Up Day

By

On Friday, June 10, Stephentown will hold its clean up day. The event will take place at the Stephentown Transfer Station, Newton Rd., from noon to 8 pm. This is free for residents and no permit or advance tickets are required, however residency must be proven with a tax bill. Each resident can bring up to a pickup truck with an eight foot bed or a small 6×10 trailer worth of items. There is a max of two TVs or four vehicle tires per household. Console TVs and hazardous waste won’t be accepted. Highway crew, attendants and volunteers will be present to provide assistance.