ROTTERDAM Small businesses get better offer Development Agency boosts facade improvement grant program BY JUSTIN MASON Gazette Reporter Reach Gazette reporter Justin Mason at 395-3113 or jmason@dailygazette.net.
Incentives offered through the Rotterdam Industrial Development Agency’s small business facade improvement program just got a lot bigger. The agency will offer 10 matching grants totaling $50,000 for small businesses wanting to tidy up their appearance. The new round of grants are double the amount offered by the agency last year, when a total of nine businesses were given funding though the program. Chairman Angelo Santabarbara said the agency expects to hammer out the requirements for the second round of grants by next month’s meeting. He said the new grants are targeted at small business owners who did not seek out the funding last year. “Maybe they were going to wait on a project, but with this assistance they’ll do it now,” he said. Last year, the program offered $2,500 grants to businesses that applied for entrance, handicap accessibility and exterior improvements. The majority of grants approved by the agency were awarded to small businesses along Hamburg Street, an area of the town that has been the focus of recent revitalization efforts. In a related move, the IDA approved a $4,850 study on redeveloping the area around the former Grand Union property between Williams Street and East Campbell Road. Santabarbara said the new survey will expand upon the findings presented by a recently completed land-use and transportation study of the Hamburg Street and Curry Road area near Thruway Exit 25. The study suggested the town create a new zoning designation to create a “main street neighborhood center” for the Hamburg Street corridor. In particular, the study suggested the Grand Union property as an ideal area to create a commercial corridor with street-front stores, sidewalks and landscaping. “It’s going to help us tie everything together,” Santabarbara said of the IDA study. Santabarbara was also reappointed chairman of the IDA this week. Town Board members voted 3-1 to extend Santabarbara’s term, with John Silva casting the only dissenting vote. Santabarbara was unanimously selected by the board last year to finish out the term of Arthur Brassard, who resigned to become the county Republican elections commissioner. Several months after his appointment, the Republican Santabarbara was elected to the county Legislature. In opposing the appointment, Silva mentioned the Metroplex home rule bill unveiled last week by Schenectady’s three Republican state legislators. If passed, the law would both raised the authority’s bond cap and extend its life, but would bar political party chairpersons, county elected officials and managers from serving on its board. Silva, a Democrat, insisted his vote against the appointment was not partisan, but asked the board to consider Santabarbara’s status as a county legislator. He suggested the town consider someone outside of government service. “We have a lot of qualified members in the community that could do the job,” he said. Supervisor Steve Tommasone defended Santabarbara’s reappointment, citing his achievements in less than a year of service. He also noted Santabarbara’s practice of forgoing the position’s $5,000 salary. This year, Santabarbara announced he would accept the salary, but donate it to establishing a scholarship fund for graduates from the Schalmont, Mohonasen and Duanesburg school districts. He said each school will be given $1,500 to divide between two students who excelled in math or science. “I wanted to give the money back to the community,” he said.
I propose that the residents of the Town of Rotterdam remove Silva from the Town Board. It is apparent that he is, indeed exhibiting partisan politics.
Quoted Text
Supervisor Steve Tommasone defended Santabarbara’s reappointment, citing his achievements in less than a year of service. He also noted Santabarbara’s practice of forgoing the position’s $5,000 salary. This year, Santabarbara announced he would accept the salary, but donate it to establishing a scholarship fund for graduates from the Schalmont, Mohonasen and Duanesburg school districts. He said each school will be given $1,500 to divide between two students who excelled in math or science.
Mr. Santabarbara is one of few elected representatives who is principled and represents the interests of his constituents. He is a fiscal conservative. And, his position of forgoing or donating his salary exemplifies what public service should be. Silva and others should take note and learn from the example that Santabarbara provides.
I would have to agree with Mr. Silva's logic. If Tedisco and Amedore are going to introduce legislation which attempts to separate politics from the Metroplex Authority, I don't see the difference between Metroplex and IDA. Both Authorities have the power give money to businesses, whether in the form of 0% interest loans and grants through Metroplex, or grants, sales tax exemption, mortgage recording tax exemption, and PILOT through Rotterdam IDA.
It's clear to me why Rotterdam Republicans are staying quiet on the Metroplex issue. They play the same game.
Tedisco and Amedore are talking the talk when they penned legislation addressing the co-mingling of politics and these powerful authorities. I don't think Rotterdam Republicans are ready to walk the walk.
"Broad-minded is just another way of saying a fellow is too lazy to form an opinion."-Will Rogers-
Although I feel that Mr. Santabarbara is a nice guy and basically conservative...I also will bet that the democratic dictatorship feels the same about Mr.Gillen and could make their point to that fact. So, I have to agree with Cicero.
I also question the motives of Tedisco offering a $10M as opposed to $25M bond increase. He clearly is in the position to propose tabling the increase until the audit was complete...but didn't. Motives?
It would be interesting to see how many republicans have been on the receiving end of the Metroplex/Empire Zone. How about Peter Guidarelli? I believe that he also owns property on the State Street strip.
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Mr. Santabarbara can step down from his elected position and serve on the Rotterdam IDA, and continue to donate his $5000 to those great causes. Or....... Continue to represent his constituents as County Legislator and help advance his ideas and the ideas of those he represent, of a smaller more transparent and accountable local government. And he can donate $5000 of his legislators salary toward scholarships. A very nobel cause.
Let's not just talk the talk, but walk the walk.
"Broad-minded is just another way of saying a fellow is too lazy to form an opinion."-Will Rogers-
For what it's worth my opinion swings more in agreement with Cicero. The Republicans are beating their chests citing a conflict with Ray Gillen being a county employee and Chair of Metroplex. Angelo is in essence a county employee and the Chair of Rotterdam IDA. The bottom line is not enough of a cross section of residents involved to choose from for these positions. We see the same thing here in D'burg. It appears to residents that a small and select (hand picked) group of people are involved in all aspects of local government.......truth be told, I beg people to get involved to no avail. Until something doesn't go their way of course.........
Silva makes a good point! But herein lies the crux, I think he should support publicly the calls from Amedor and Jimmy Tedisco. I don't think he would mind doing that. Santabarbara is a really good guy from my standpoint too, and what he is doing with the I.D.A. funds is good because he is servicing the smaller businesses and not the gigantic operators who we all know. Silva doesnt seem to be all so cozy with the Democrats that operate the county because I remember when he ran for office they fired his health clinic and even said some bad things about it (does anyone remember that last year at all??? SO I kind of like Silva as a board memeber myself to keep them honest. But that doesnt' mean Angelo S. is a shyster or anything since he seems like a great worker for the people. Rene makes one big and good point too- who the hell wants to get involved publicly with any of the politics and what not. The VFW is dying off, the American Legion, the Moose, all the clubs other than the Elks, because no one has the time what with kids, 2 working people in the home, events for school and that. No one has time, so the reverse of what Silva says is that give the job to a busy person and it will get done.
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Yikes I didn't remember all of that. Silva looks like he has more problems then I realized! Well who knows. He seems OK but I don't know if I want him to be town treasurer or anything!
It appears to residents that a small and select (hand picked) group of people are involved in all aspects of local government.......truth be told, I beg people to get involved to no avail. Until something doesn't go their way of course.........
I do agree that it is always the 'few' that get involved. I see that happen not only in politics, but in churchs and schools. But as for getting involved in politics....who would really want to. It has become so nasty!
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I do agree that it is always the 'few' that get involved. I see that happen not only in politics, but in churchs and schools. But as for getting involved in politics....who would really want to. It has become so nasty!
True, but if no one new gets involved, it's just going to degenerate from it's current condition and get worse, not better.
Do we have any real conservatives left in our local political arena? Who are the most conservative and who are the most liberal? Where does Silva stand on other things?
Finding people who are willing to accept the abuse to themselves and their families if they decide to run for a political office is something else as well.
I like Mr. Santabarbara so far. I think he's a great asset to the endeavors he's involved in. However, Mr. Silva raises a valid concern if there is a desired separation of economic development and politics. The State Republicans didn't think this one through or they're not concerned about the obvious conflict they have themselves.
This year, Santabarbara announced he would accept the salary, but donate it to establishing a scholarship fund for graduates from the Schalmont, Mohonasen and Duanesburg school districts.
Looks and works better when filing taxes at the end of the year......
...you are a product of your environment, your environment is a product of your priorities, your priorities are a product of you......
The replacement of morality and conscience with law produces a deadly paradox.
STOP BEING GOOD DEMOCRATS---STOP BEING GOOD REPUBLICANS--START BEING GOOD AMERICANS
Do we have any real conservatives left in our local political arena? Who are the most conservative and who are the most liberal? Where does Silva stand on other things?
No we don't have real conservatives left. They ALL want control!! They all want the money!! They all want to tax and spend!! They ALL are the same!!!
I have yet to hear ONE just ONE politican call for the closure of the Metroplex. NOT ONE!!! And ya know why? Cause they ALL want the power to control the metro-purse!!
Conservatives? Paleezz!! They are no different!!
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No we don't have real conservatives left. They ALL want control!! They all want the money!! They all want to tax and spend!! They ALL are the same!!!
I have yet to hear ONE just ONE politican call for the closure of the Metroplex. NOT ONE!!! And ya know why? Cause they ALL want the power to control the metro-purse!!
Conservatives? Paleezz!! They are no different!!
One thing I did read last month was that Joe S. wanted the Metroplex to 'sunset' which is the phrase he used, and didnt want it to stay around forever like the thruway authority. Maybe if we throw Joe S out, we get a politician in there who wants it to stay forever! Like the rest of the them. But I do think Sanatabarbara agrees with that so we will always have at least him if we get rid of Joe S. Some of the Italians want Joe S. out since he had some problems with the paisans in the past election, then used the term 'mafia.' Some Italians in Rotterdam are threatened by that kind of talk! Hahahaaaa But that being pointed out, there should be others that feel the dame way about the Metroplex and want it to sunset, if not be eliminated. I don't know if anyone else will vote to elimninate it. Do you think if Joe S motions for the elimination, he can get more than Angelo to back him up on closing it? Should we press Joe S. and Angelo to shut the thing down? How wll they do that without at least what? Six more votes on the county legislature out if those possible 15 for a total of 8 (majority)???? Help me with the math Bumble, or Mobile? It is well know Godlewski is either trying to be supervisor or is trying to take Joe S's seat. I think he is a bum-maybe he has fans here I don't know. Would you prefer Godlewski over Shurada? Is it because of that "Italian" connection or whatever that makes Shurada so unpopular? I am Italian and it doesn't bother me, for one.
It appeared that Tedisco had the power to say "no" to "any" bond increase, or extension at least until the audit was complete.
It would also appear to some people, and support bumble's thoughts, that the republicans, or any other party, wants Metroplex to stay in existence but under their control. I'm not saying that this is the case. I'm talking about people's perception.
We had enough of Godlewski when he was on the board let's not make that mistake again and give him a seat on the county board because he'll just vote the way old Suzy wants him to vote. They called him no change Bob when he was on the Town Board as he did nothing to but vote against any issue involving a change for the better.
Godlewski does NOT have a shot!!!!! He isn't called 'no change' for nothing! He would be as bad as having Judy Dagostino as a legislature. His last campaign was a disaster! And if he choses to run again.....it will be another disaster!! He needs to go to Florida now and lay in the sun. Play shuffle board with the other seniors and talk about the good old days. He can boost of his phantom accomplishments, cause no one will know him anyway.
But for him, his political days are done. We'll make sure of that in this county. As far as Suhrada, we need him to stay right where he is!! We all hope that the reps have their candidates in line for the up coming elections.
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One thing I did read last month was that Joe S. wanted the Metroplex to 'sunset' which is the phrase he used, and didnt want it to stay around forever like the thruway authority.
CAPITOL Tedisco unsure on Metroplex cap Assemblyman said to favor $60 million limit BY BOB CONNER Gazette Reporter
Legislator Joseph Suhrada, R-Rotterdam, who voted against raising the bond cap, said he could support increasing it to a lower amount such as $60 million. He said he believes Savage and the Democrats held up the Saccocio appointment because they were waiting to see if Democrats would be successful in last year’s Rotterdam Town Board elections. They were not.
When you say Joe S., I assume you mean Joe Suhrada. May 15th of this year, just 19 days ago, Mr. Suhrada was quoted by the Gazette stating his willingness to comprise and raise the Metroplex cap by $10 million dollars, to $60 million. Unless committing $10 million more tax dollars is code for "the sunset". I believe it's just some more double talk from today's pseudo conservatives. It's an epidemic nationwide.
"Broad-minded is just another way of saying a fellow is too lazy to form an opinion."-Will Rogers-
and I make this here point in reminsicence of Ronald Reagan as our president who when he was in for 4 years didn't eliminate the deparetment of education and several other areas where us conservatives wanted him to, and no one primaried him. In eight years he did no such thing, did he? He was one man (even though the president and most powerful man on earth) against all the others, so he must of had to compromise. But here my jist as to what that means. We need to keep them on guard, but they have unfortunately been put into a spot where they must maneuver and compromise since with 2 vote real votes out of the 15, them screaming and jumping all around won't solve the problem nor will it get sympathy for their cause. Now I am chuckling seeing Joe S jump all around and scream!
But seriously in all earnest, Angelo and Joe are better than half a loaf and they are the only ones who make the slightest peep whatsoever. I hear nothing but deafening silence when LOUD SUE ( you like that one- she wrote the Art of War) speaks and the others quake in their boots!
The next ones I will place a wager, will be LESS conservative than these two business men.
They just need to say what they mean and mean what they say---even if it means actually saying the word "compromise".....the sheeple need a smack on the coolie......as for gumbas....they need to get off the back of the taxpayers......
...you are a product of your environment, your environment is a product of your priorities, your priorities are a product of you......
The replacement of morality and conscience with law produces a deadly paradox.
STOP BEING GOOD DEMOCRATS---STOP BEING GOOD REPUBLICANS--START BEING GOOD AMERICANS
Well then we need to get rid of Shurada then if he isn't living up to the job! Who is going to run the primary?
I don't think there are anymore reps left, are there? And how come they don't ever run Gerard Parisi? He's a young republican lawyer. He's got a name and reputation that people know. Although I think he has benefited from the metro-purse.
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You're correct when saying Reagan was a conservative Republican who had to compromise with a Democratically controlled senate and house of reps. Much like our county, Republican/Conservative representation is overwhelmingly out numbered by Democrats. The only difference is that Reagan was able to drop the top income tax bracket from 70% to 28%, grow the GDP 3.4%, decreased inflation, and created 16 million jobs, during his 8 years. And the Democrats and Teachers Unions got to keep the Department of Education. Good Negotiation Ronald. Oh yeah..... He played a big part in defeating the Communist Soviet Union.
Please name me one small victory the County Republicans can claim in say the last 5 years??
Ronald Reagan was able to articulate his positions, and when he wasn't able to negotiate behind closed doors with the Democrats, he would take the message to the people. He would give a speech, framing his position masterfully, weakening his Democratic counterparts, forcing compromise.
"Broad-minded is just another way of saying a fellow is too lazy to form an opinion."-Will Rogers-
Well, I guess if some folks want to get things accomplished in Rotterdam, they may want to try Silva. I mean he is the lone dem on the board and is obviously trying to flex his little dem muscle.
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Posted on: 06/11/08 Ross Marvin, Spotlight Staff email: marvinr@spotlightnews.com
The Rotterdam Town Board voted 3-to-1 to reappoint County Legislator Angelo Santabarbara, R-Rotterdam, to a three-year term as chairman of the town’s Industrial Development Agency.
The position carries a $5,000 annual stipend, but Santabarbara said he would not accept payment. Instead, the freshman county Legislator will use the money to establish a number of scholarships for students who excel in math and science at area high schools.
In fact, Santabarbara presented two inaugural $750 scholarships to students at Schalmont High School’s awards night on Friday, May 30.
Supervisor Steven Tommasone said Santabarbara’s use of his salary showed the IDA chairman’s dedication to the development, both economic and educational, of his community.
“We’re not only worried about creating jobs, but making sure we have a highly educated work force,” said Tommasone. Still, board member John Silva, who cast the board’s lone dissenting vote, thought it was inappropriate for an elected official to chair the town’s economic development wing.
“The IDA should be as non-partisan as possible,” said Silva. “I don’t believe that the chair of our IDA should be a county legislator as well.”
Tommasone disagreed with Silva. He cited Santabarbara’s background as a civil engineer as his chief qualification for the job.
Board member Michael Della Villa was absent from the meeting.
Santabarbara, who was first appointed as chairman of the IDA to fulfill the remainder of departed chairman Art Brassard’s term last summer, insists that his post as a legislator won’t interfere with his work at the IDA.
“We’re not funded by the taxpayers,” said Santabarbara, who noted that the Rotterdam IDA is a nonprofit benefit corporation that attempts to attract business projects to the town.
Santabarbara cites the establishment of a small business grant program as his greatest accomplishment as head of the IDA. Last year’s program gave nine $2,500 façade grants to local businesses who matched the grant with $2,500 or more of their own money.
This year, the IDA has expanded its grant program. The program offers 10 matching fund grants in the amount of $5,000.
Santabarbara said that in his second term as chairman he would also turn his attention to the Hamburg Street corridor.
Last month, the IDA authorized a $4,850 land-use study that would specifically consider uses of the former Grand Union site.
A larger study of the area, released at a town board meeting on Wednesday, May 28, determined that the site may be conducive to a small village or “Main Street” development approach that could line the street with boutique shops, pedestrian walkways and on-the-street parking.
Santabarbara said the IDA has yet to make up its mind about the area and would await the results of the new study. “We haven’t determined the best use yet,” said Santabarbara. “It’s too early to tell.”
A larger study of the area, released at a town board meeting on Wednesday, May 28, determined that the site may be conducive to a small village or “Main Street” development approach that could line the street with boutique shops, pedestrian walkways and on-the-street parking
well, of course....ya dont need a study for that....would it be easier for big box wham bam thank you ma'am, sure, but damn cheesy as hell....just like Altamont ave which is also falling into the 'trash' catagory.....
the mobil owner is not a good property care taker..... the runway owner is a good property care taker but, likes to plaster cheesy signs on the polls in front of the station..........
...you are a product of your environment, your environment is a product of your priorities, your priorities are a product of you......
The replacement of morality and conscience with law produces a deadly paradox.
STOP BEING GOOD DEMOCRATS---STOP BEING GOOD REPUBLICANS--START BEING GOOD AMERICANS
Santabarbara said the IDA has yet to make up its mind about the area and would await the results of the new study. “We haven’t determined the best use yet,” said Santabarbara. “It’s too early to tell.”
A new study? It's too early to tell? I believe that we are in 'overtime'!
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Logged
SO I kind of like Silva as a board memeber myself to keep them honest. But that doesnt' mean Angelo S. is a shyster or anything since he seems like a great worker for the people. Rene makes one big and good point too- who the hell wants to get involved publicly with any of the politics and what not. The VFW is dying off, the American Legion, the Moose, all the clubs other than the Elks, because no one has the time what with kids, 2 working people in the home, events for school and that. No one has time, so the reverse of what Silva says is that give the job to a busy person and it will get done. 
speaks and the others quake in their boots! 
