Hamburg Street, Roundabouts, New Developments - Print Topic

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ROTTERDAM
Hamburg Street shopping for ideas Upper Union Street BID seen as model
BY JUSTIN MASON Gazette Reporter

   When searching for ideas to improve Hamburg Street, Frank DePalma is looking east toward upper Union Street in Schenectady.
   The co-chair of the fledgling Hamburg Street Merchants Association is scheduled to meet with Michael Mastroianni, who was instrumental in the creation of the Upper Union Street Business Improvement District. The special assessment district is largely credited for a host of improvements and events that have brought renewed commercial interest to a strip between Garner Avenue and the city line.
   “We’re going to see what kind of ideas they have,” said DePalma, the owner of DePalma’s Screen Printing and Embroidery on Hamburg Street.
   DePalma said the talks are aimed at generating ideas for improving the condition and business through the mixed-use corridor between Curry Road and Altamont Avenue. Since January, members of the merchants association have lobbied town and county officials for help in improving the street, where roughly 70 businesses are located.
   “We’re not going to let them forget about it,” he said. “We’re not going to let this die.”
   Business owners have called for a greater police presence, improved lighting, and perhaps even a sewer hookup, which many cite as the underlying reason Hamburg Street has fallen behind Altamont Avenue. The merchants are hoping to gain a bit of savvy from Mastroianni’s experiences on Union Street to help touch off improvements in Rotterdam.
   In November 2001, upper Union Street formed a business improvement district that now includes 65 properties and more than 90 businesses. Business owners are annually assessed a property value-based fee, which is then funneled into a fund used for everything from street improvements to street festivals.
   “It’s to control your own destiny,” Mastroianni said of the BID formation. “It’s a great opportunity for local businesses to promote their cause.”
   On upper Union Street, the special assessment has helped bring events to the district such as last week’s Strawberry Festival, as well as a weekly farmers’ market. The BID has also aided in gaining facade improvement grants through the state, Mastroianni said.
   “We just keep on going forward so when they hear upper Union Street, they know where to go,” he said.
   DePalma admits upper Union Street and Hamburg Street are fairly different in their makeup. While the upper Union Street is a densely commercial area with amenities such as sidewalks, Hamburg Street has a more dispersed collection of businesses that lack even a sewer connection.
   But DePalma believes the merchants’ association can gain valuable insight from Mastroianni. Even if the merchants association decides against forming a special assessment district, he said they can use Mastroianni’s input to develop ideas that might breath new life to Hamburg Street.
   The priority now for the merchants association is to get input and participation from the businesses on the street. DePalma said the organization will host its monthly meeting at the Rotterdam Senior Center on July 2 with the hope of getting more business owners involved.
   “The more the count [of businesses], the bigger the body, the more we can get done,” he said.

MEREDITH L. KAISER/GAZETTE PHOTOGRAPHER
Frank DePalma, owner of DePalma’s Screenprinting and Embroidery on Hamburg Street in Rotterdam, stands Tuesday next to a screenprinting press at his shop. DePalma is cochairman of the Hamburg Street Merchants Association.

Can I tell you that there have been some landowners on Hamburg St that have been approached about selling their land. It's done through realestate companies but with the prospects being annonymous. Hmmmm....Interesting!

Bumble, Bumble, Bumble.

Sorry, just had to say that. (Had to have it on the new site...)

And no, I had no clue.

BK, BK, BK....awwww..shucks......just don't sound the same! :D

By the way...when and where is the next Hamburg St meeting and does anyone know who will be there and what will be discussed?

Normally, it would be scheduled for July 2 at 7PM at Play By Play, but considering the holiday, I guess we'll have to wait for Sam or someone else over there to get back to us, unless Senders knows.

I heard July 2nd still.....

If it is, where and what time? I'd assume 7pm but at play by play or senior center?

Quoted from bumblethru

Can I tell you that there have been some landowners on Hamburg St that have been approached about selling their land. It's done through realestate companies but with the prospects being annonymous. Hmmmm....Interesting!

THAT IS VERY INTERESTING...WONDER IF ANYONE IS INTERESTED IN THE OLD BOWLING ALLEY PROPERTY ??

DARE TO SHARE ANY FACTS BUMBLETHRU

No I can't share facts at this time, but I will tell you that it is not the old bowling alley. We could only wish. However, perhaps the owner of that property was approached as well. I don't know.

Aw come on bumble, can't you give us a hint.

Like is it the Rotterdam side of the bridge or the Schenectady side (lol) ???

How about a time frame about when an announcement will be made?
Is this a metroplex project?
Are the people who have been approached people who had not been remotely thinking about selling and now have a surprise offer in front of them?

WHOA......It is nothing like that at all. It's just realestate going to some landowner stating they have an 'annonymous' interest.

And that is the beginning and end of that little tidbit.

metroplex....ha ha ha....that's a laugh....and here is the thing....

Metro----plex.....

what is metro? what is plex?

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Main Entry: 2metropolitan
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Late Latin metropolitanus of the see of a metropolitan, from metropolita, noun, metropolitan, from Late Greek mEtropolitEs, from mEtropolis see of a metropolitan, from Greek, capital
1 : of or constituting a metropolitan or his see
2 : of, relating to, or characteristic of a metropolis and sometimes including its suburbs
3 : of, relating to, or constituting a mother country as distinguished from a colony

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Main Entry: -plex
Function: noun combining form
Etymology: partly from Latin -plex (as in duplex); partly from complex
1 : a figure of a given power
2 : a building divided into an often specified number of spaces (as apartments or movie theaters)

What do we want to make on Hamburg Street??? What do we want it to look like and feel like? Whom do we want to come and visit and shop here??

I think there could be more to it.....

Honestly, when/if anything is done with Hamburg Street, not everyone will be satisfied with everything. But clearly something has to be done for the sake of improvement!

Are we losing momentum ??

Just waiting on the politicians.
It's their move next.

Let me just say this...now that we have resurfaced patton drive and some streets in coldbrook I guess we can just kiss sewers good bye...now my kids will say "what the hell were you thinking." they will either move out or 'make it happen in the future' of which I will be too old to be "set to afford it"....no new nice shopping district on Hamburg st...and still the crappy fence a walmart (of which we have all complained and called and complained and called and some of us actually showed up at the store) and we are all just breathlessly waiting for the permanent freaking garage sale that will open sometime in august at the plaza......talk about your poor poor planning and to more bluntly "lack of interest" on the part of the residents.....where are our leaders with their visions.......viable visions.....

It took decades to get to this point so any changes won't be overnight. However, I am disappointed in the lack of residents interest. They may well be concerned with the development, or lack there of, in Rotterdam, but I really don't hear or see it.

Ya know the old saying...'you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make them drink'. Same thing!

the meeting is set for july 2nd 7pm at the senior center we will be discussing what has been happening. We have info on what hs to happen on our end, to make things happen at all. What we have found out is that it is going to take alot of work and take time. After our meeting with mike mastroianni of union st it will happen, but it took him 10yrs to complete. Thanks for you interest

So are we to assume that there will be no money thrown our way, be it by metroplex or otherwise...and that anything that needs to be done will have to be done by 'us'?

This area doesnt have 10 years....

Quoted from biaggio

This area doesnt have 10 years....

I AGREE......THEY WANT UPSTANDING CITIZENS....WE NEED UPSTANDING LEADERSHIP TO TAKE THE BULL BY THE HORNS-DIVE IN-AND OWN IT---THERE WILL ALWAYS BE THOSE 'DISSENTERS'--and 'friends' who say "see ya later alligator"(especially those in power driven seats)-----the system doesn't need lifelong 'name/position getters'----it needs doers of the people....and they must know the difference between hindering/hobbling/helping/self indulgence.....in Rotterdam there are those 100-200 or so folks who sit in the 'front pew'....the rest of us just complain....we are getting no where.....

Let's face it, there is really nothing, we as residents can do anymore. The businesses and residents spoke. They spoke to the people in power that can make it all happen.

Hamburg Street as well as other areas in town, need sewers/infrustructure. The 'people' are clearly NOT going to go out and start digging up the streets and running pipe for sewers. Only the people in power can and should do that.

Hamburg Street needs new lighting. The 'people' are clearly NOT going to start running electrical wire, and erect light poles. Only the people in power can and should do that.

Hamburg Street needs sidewalks. The 'people' are clearly NOT going to start mixing cement and constructing sidewalks. Only the people in power can and should do that.

I agree with biag....Hamburg Street can't wait 10years. The truth is folks that Rotterdam is now a republican community surrounded by democratic communities. The dems hold the cash and our fate. Don't think that they will be throwing money our way any time soon. Gillen blew us off and steered us to Union Street and how they did it. And Gillen holds our sales tax money!!!

BK is right when s/he said to go to other counties to buy our goods and give them our tax dollar. Let's head to Colonie, Guilderland or Saratoga! Where would Metroplex be without Rotterdam's sales tax money? We hold the key people.

if you really take a good look at rotterdam...the whole place is a mess. it seems no one is really interested in making it "a nice place to live" did you ever ask yourself what that means and why ?? I see to many things that need to be done and very few that are truly interested in getting it done...I wish us all good luck, we are going to need it..

You can get involved in a committee to help the town with it's problems and if the board doesn't like your ideas and input they just disband the committee and do what they want anyway. I speak from personal experience on this one.

We are stuck in a strange place....a town full of boomers and then the others who should be speaking more,,,,ya know the 30-40 somethings.....

Hello out there....anyone interested in pounding the pavement enmasse......???

Quoted from Shadow

You can get involved in a committee to help the town with it's problems and if the board doesn't like your ideas and input they just disband the committee and do what they want anyway. I speak from personal experience on this one.

I have heard the same thing. Like I said before...committees are just the 'fluff' made up by the town to look good. Like they are really listening to the people.(and these folks put in a ton of time and energy) And I don't care what administration is in...they all do it.

With that said, how did the last Hamburg Street meeting go? It was this past Monday July 2nd. I actually forgot about it, there was just too much going on.

Since they want to put a Roundabout on Hamburg St. and Curry, we thought it would be fitting to post this here.

http://www.dailygazette.com

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Roundabouts safer because drivers are avoiding them

   It was with great amusement that I read the June 27 article. The reason the accident rate is down is because the main traffic avoids these roundabouts.
   Park your vehicle near Exit 11 of the Northway between the hours of 5 p.m. and 6 pm. The volume of traffic is amazing, drivers are exiting Exit 11 rather than Exit 12 to avoid the roundabouts. We reside at Northway 11 Communities and noticed the heavy increase in traffic after the roundabouts were opened. With a good share of the traffic off Exit 12, it doesn’t take a genius to figure out why the accident rate would be lower. I would estimate that 90 percent of the people I questioned about the roundabouts, say they hate them.
   Naturally the state Department of Transportation people, who created them, will never admit they wasted $16-plus million in constructing these monstrosities. Why didn’t they take a vote on it before wasting the taxpayers’ hard-earned dollars. Talk to some of the drivers who get off the Northway at Exit 11 to find out what their destination is and ask them how they like roundabouts.
I’m happy to hear the city of Saratoga Springs has decided not to have them on the main street.
THOMAS TOTTEN
Ballston Lake

I'd be willing to pound the pavement with you, senders. If I can find the time.

Quoted from Admin

Since they want to put a Roundabout on Hamburg St. and Curry, we thought it would be fitting to post this here.
Quoted Text
Roundabouts safer because drivers are avoiding them

   It was with great amusement that I read the June 27 article. The reason the accident rate is down is because the main traffic avoids these roundabouts.
   Park your vehicle near Exit 11 of the Northway between the hours of 5 p.m. and 6 pm. The volume of traffic is amazing, drivers are exiting Exit 11 rather than Exit 12 to avoid the roundabouts. We reside at Northway 11 Communities and noticed the heavy increase in traffic after the roundabouts were opened. With a good share of the traffic off Exit 12, it doesn’t take a genius to figure out why the accident rate would be lower. I would estimate that 90 percent of the people I questioned about the roundabouts, say they hate them.
   Naturally the state Department of Transportation people, who created them, will never admit they wasted $16-plus million in constructing these monstrosities. Why didn’t they take a vote on it before wasting the taxpayers’ hard-earned dollars. Talk to some of the drivers who get off the Northway at Exit 11 to find out what their destination is and ask them how they like roundabouts.
I’m happy to hear the city of Saratoga Springs has decided not to have them on the main street.
THOMAS TOTTEN
Ballston Lake

Well isn't this article interesting? At least we get to hear another side of the story...and from a residents point of view as opposed to a political leader or the DOT.

There are more than enough houses with income willing to shop hamburg street if it was made for the shopping.....oh, no....those folks aren't worth the $$ in their pockets and tax$$.......if the cars come thru the circle,,fine....but dont insult me saying that will be THE BIG BOOST.....we live here and we are just waiting and willing...and yet the DEMS and the REPS are just insulting and oh, let me use walmarts words "underserving".....but, thank you for your interest and time,exit left,,,next please.......

Anything exciting said at the meeting ?? We need to post minutes if you really want people to know whats going on and help...Work hours interfere on many occasions, but I would like to know whats going on and possibly what I could do to help..

There should be more coverage.
Where is the Gazette, TU or Spotlight?
Maybe these meetings should be video tapped too.
Any volunteers?

I don't usually make it to them. I have been to a couple.

so, nothing exciting ??

Sorry, I couldn't make it-sick......but, I drive the street everyday and I see the same things you do.....NOTHING......just the local guys doing what they need to do, without any big, solid foundation (sewers, lighting, sidewalks) for their future and our future......kudos to the local business guys---keep it up---what are we going to do now?????---wait-wait-wait-wait-wait--homeless-wait--crime-wait-grafitti-wait-larceny-wait-wait-gangs-wait-vandals---wait--wait--wait---------------

Well, like I said, when I watched the town board meeting on channel 16 the other day, Godlewski asked (like he 'always' does) what was happening with Hamburg Street, Mr. Tomasone just said that Mr. Santabarbara, the new IDA chair had some irons in the fire but Mr. Tomasone was at liberty to say. So again we wait!

But I don't know how much longer Rotterdam can wait. The city is going to be moving their 'villians' out and where do you think they are going to go? Some are already here. There are many 'undesirables' I see walking Hamburg St, Altamont Ave and Curry Rd.. But I wonder...are they the 'undesirable' or the 'underserved'? I think that we, as Rotterdam residents are beginning to be the underserved.

Bumble I couldn't agree more.

http://www.timesunion.com
Community spirit, not bricks, sidewalks and trees, make the neighborhood

By TOM KEYSER, Staff writer
First published: Sunday, July 8, 2007

What makes a good neighborhood?

A row of houses on tree-lined streets where parents push strollers? A cluster of apartments where your next-door neighbor might leave to be replaced by another a month from now? An arc of homes around a cul-de-sac where kids play basketball in the street?

Is it geography?

Is it architecture?

Is it history?

It may be one of the above, or it may be all of the above. But for sure, a good neighborhood is defined by people.

Talk to the urban and planning experts, and they'll tell you that a good neighborhood must be walkable; walking promotes interaction with neighbors. A good neighborhood needs an activity center or focal point, be it a post office, library, movie theater, coffee shop or bar.

The residents must have shared vision and values. They must be willing to work together to solve problems and meet crises. It's not a bad idea if they like to party together, too.

But the experts will tell you that most modern housing developments lack not only a sense of community but also character. The houses look alike. The face they present to the street, to the public, is a large, glaring garage.

The houses serve as retreats, cocoons, into which residents disappear until the next day, when they re-emerge to face the world again. In the process, they seldom, if ever, interact with their neighbors.

"We've developed hollow places where people don't connect with one another, and they don't connect with the place," says Gene Bunnell, professor of geography and planning at the University at Albany. "They bought the house because they liked the conveniences, the appliances, they liked the kitchen, it had air conditioning. It was the house but not really the place. And when their situation changes, when they no longer have children to fill up the house, for example, they simply move away."

Today's families often don't have time to be neighborly. Both spouses work. They're commuting longer distances. They have to drive to buy groceries, to rent a movie, to get a haircut. When they finally get home they want to unwind, have a drink, watch TV, check the Internet.

This has eroded the fabric of the neighborhood, and that, says James Howard Kuntsler, a Saratoga Springs resident and authority on suburban sprawl and the urban predicament, "is one of the great tragedies of what we've done with the human-habitat part of the environment over the last 60 years."

But there are places in the Capital Region where the fabric is still woven tight, where neighbors keep a "pooch poop station" supplied with plastic grocery bags for the many dog walkers, or congregate at the post office where they chatter while picking up mail, or dress in costume for the neighborhood Halloween party that has endured for a half century.

People in these neighborhoods feel a sense of belonging, a sense of community. It might revolve around a shared history, a neighborhood pool, the challenge of gentrification, community clean-ups, neighborhood watches, block parties or a neighborhood eyesore.
What makes a good neighborhood?

"It's a place of commonality, where residents have a common understanding or a common sense of appreciation for each other," says Terry McDonnell, a state trooper who's active in his Troy neighborhood. "People take ownership in the neighborhood. I used to tell my son that the city doesn't own anything; we own the city. And it's really up to you to promote that. The city unto itself really isn't anything; it's the people who are everything."

Tom Keyser can be reached at 454-5448 or by e-mail at tkeyser@timesunion.com.

Roundabouts...i use them everyday in the Malta area and find them to be attractive ( better than the Weed ridden monstrosity at the intersection of Hamburg and Curry ) and find them very easy to pass through. Dont forget, these studies are done all over the united states and they are factual....These things WORK. When you get to the intersection here no one knows what to do its a mess.

I guess its a matter of opinion..

So put in the roundabout.....that will not solve the lack of sewers, sidewalks and lighting.......I could walk Hamburg street if it was built properly.....yes, I do have a job and I am able to shop,,,guess I have to keep going to Mohawk Commons and those 'other places'......

Nice article. But the article's idea of neighborhood and commuity is becoming a thing of the past. Both people usually do work during the day and the kids are either in school, at day care or with another family memeber. We probably do more talking on this forum with our 'neighbors' than we actually do face to face with them.

But that's ok...at least we're talking. :)

Absolutely, people need to speak out.

I agree Senders but don't hold your breath until we get them.

Quoted from Shadow

I agree Senders but don't hold your breath until we get them.

Is my face blue yet..... :X

What is every one looking for ?? Sewers, Lighting...to go where ?? I agree we need this stuff, but we need a quality ( safe ) environment to walk around in. Do we really think we will end up with a shopping area worth shopping....I just want to see it cleaned up and safe...I want to see the businesses that currently operate here take some pride in their property ( starting to this more and more ) I also want to make sure if and when new business comes here it is GOOD business...not a rehab center, and that they will follow the rules set for lanscaping etc.

There's no money to be made by installing lights, sidewalks and improving the looks of the properties that are there now. If the area isn't fixed up then businesses won't want to build there and round and round we go. Metroplex will go where the money is, so they think, downtown Schdy.

Quoted from biaggio

What is every one looking for ?? Sewers, Lighting...to go where ?? I agree we need this stuff, but we need a quality ( safe ) environment to walk around in. Do we really think we will end up with a shopping area worth shopping....I just want to see it cleaned up and safe...I want to see the businesses that currently operate here take some pride in their property ( starting to this more and more ) I also want to make sure if and when new business comes here it is GOOD business...not a rehab center, and that they will follow the rules set for lanscaping etc.

I agree with you and know what you are saying. And I do agree with the fact that there are things that can be done 'now' to improve the safety and appearence of Hamburg St. For example, cut down those weeds at the old Rolling Greens land. Clean up the street. See if Price chopper or other businesses will donate flowers to hang from the utility poles with nice wrought iron hangers.

If things go as they have in the past, it will be a decade before sewers and new lighting is put in place. (and I do honestly hope I'm wrong) But in the mean time....CLEAN IT UP!

Quoted from bumblethru

I agree with you and know what you are saying. And I do agree with the fact that there are things that can be done 'now' to improve the safety and appearence of Hamburg St. For example, cut down those weeds at the old Rolling Greens land. Clean up the street. See if Price chopper or other businesses will donate flowers to hang from the utility poles with nice wrought iron hangers.

If things go as they have in the past, it will be a decade before sewers and new lighting is put in place. (and I do honestly hope I'm wrong) But in the mean time....CLEAN IT UP!

Yeah, and by then I will be too old to care and selling my house and some other schmuck can 'attempt' to get involved......there are how many banks in Rotterdam???----and we are worried about raising taxes......we are too freakin' cheap or narcistic.....again let me state: it is the East VS the West......or so it seems......better clear the battle field........

i NEVER THOUGHT OF THE HANGING FLOWER BASKET THING...THAT WOULD LOOK GREAT..PROBLEM IS LIKE EVERYTHING ELSE NO ONE WOULD TAKE CARE OF THEM AND THEY WOULD JUST DIE ...bUT WHAT AN IMPROVEMENT IT WOULD MAKE..

Pretty plant thing would be nice and quaint....the uhaul needs more than just pretty plants hanging on a light pole....they cant even clean up their lot...and neither can the CVS....talk about 'institution looking' properties......plants on poles dont bring new businesses.....greed does not bring new businesses...lack of infrastructure does not bring new businesses......short sightedness does not bring new businesses.....stagnation does not bring new businesses...... we should all leave and let the county/state/city have it all.......it will just end up a dumping ground for the city's 'undersirables'........

I dont think you will need to worry about CVS...its going to close and will look like the big eye sore the old Grand union does. U-Haul will never change unless someone makes them...at least its a thriving business..

The undesirables are already here...I see them walking the streets at all hours...(Ask Joe G. to rent to some more)The drug rehab should have never been allowed.....So, what kind of business do you think might want to be here?? I want to see this succeed, but what the hell is actually going on..NOTHING....

Quoted from senders

There are more than enough houses with income willing to shop hamburg street if it was made for the shopping.....oh, no....those folks aren't worth the $$ in their pockets and tax$$.......if the cars come thru the circle,,fine....but dont insult me saying that will be THE BIG BOOST.....we live here and we are just waiting and willing...and yet the DEMS and the REPS are just insulting and oh, let me use walmarts words "underserving".....but, thank you for your interest and time,exit left,,,next please.......

Did anything come of the meeting last Monday ??

I didn't hear anything about the Hamburg Street meeting. It would be nice if it was mentioned in the gazette or spotlight or even the TU that gives Rotterdam more coverage than it's local newspaper. Or perhaps someone could post some information here.

Not everyone can be everywhere. But being informed is the first step forward.

From what I've seen, the reporter from the Spotlight does try to make it there for some of the meetings. Maybe someone needs to write an editorial to tell them what this committee's doing, since the only board member I've ever seen at the meeting is Mr. "I have a question, no we can't spend the money to do that."

VERY VERY IMPORTANT MEETING FOR OCTOBER 2ND.......FOLKS WE NEED TO GET TOGETHER AND SHOW THEM WE ARE EDUCATED AND EARN $$....WE ARE NOT A BUNCH OF IGNORANT FOOLS THAT ACCEPT ONLY WHAT WALMART PUTS OUT( THEIR CRAPPY FENCE AND ALL)......I DONT HAVE SPECIFICS AS TO THE LOCATION AND TIME BUT I DID SPEAK WITH A LOCAL BUSINESS OWNER THAT IS VERY, VERY INVOLVED IN THE HAMBURG STREET MOVEMENT.....STAY TUNED FOR DETAILS...............KEEP THIS IN THE FORE-FRONT OF YOUR MINDS.......THERE WILL BE THE NEED FOR INVOLVEMENT....NO SPEAKING...BUT, THERE IS SOMETHING TO BE SAID ABOUT NUMBERS....

.......AND PRESENCE.............

http://www.dailygazette.com

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Why roundabout are, and should be avoided

   On June 27 The Daily Gazette had an article about the roundabouts on Route 67 in the town of Malta and the wonderful job they have done in decreasing accidents along that stretch of highway. It discussed the concept of slowing traffi c and preventing side crashes.
   I believe that the key to the success in reducing accidents is contained in the article, but not stressed. One line in the article states that people either love the roundabouts or hate them, or words to that effect. Here is the secret to the success of the roundabouts. So many people hate them that they no longer use that section of road. They fi nd alternate routes to get to their destination. Decreased traffic equals decreased accidents.
   Now that the roundabouts have been proclaimed a success, there will be a push to build more. Eventually there will be no alternate routes without roundabouts and we will see the accident rate return to normal.
   One item that was not addressed in the article is the design of the roundabouts. If you are ever traveling on the inside lane, you had better hope there is not a tractor-trailer rig alongside. The diameter of the roundabouts is so small that the big rigs cannot negotiate them without encroaching on the inner lane.
   MICHAEL ANDREADAKIS
   Ballston Spa

So, we will actually hear something concrete before the meeting....i think many people would be willing to participate if they knew what for..We need a better way to communicate the issues as well as progress...if we want people in numbers they need to know what is going on..

We hear nothing! Nadda! Nope! I understand that these are very busy business people orchastrating this whole thing. But without some type of communication, be it through this forum or newspaper...it will appear to be dead in the water!

Agree.....never hear anything.....They should take a minute and post the minutes of the meeting and any upcoming events etc..

I would almost think that would be their goal! Ya know...'get the word out'!!!

Quoted Text

1st reminder for our meeting of the Hamburg St Merchants at senior center at 7pm. August 6th. come around back,park and come ramp Thanks Frank DePalma

Frank DePalma

And.......is there a follow up?

that's all I know.....I wasn't at the last meeting....but, I run into folks at times.....I have nothing official....except for everyone to pay attention to what is happening in their neighborhood/town.....go see..... ;D

Does anyone out there know anything about any talks about properties or land interests on Hamburg....doesnt have to be concrete...just something that might put some hope in peoples minds.......something has to be going on.....

All I know is what I heard while watching a town board meeting a couple of saturdays ago on channel 16. Hamburg St was kind of grouped in with other areas and Tomasone reference 'those groups' to Mr. Santabarbara who is going to be heading the IDA. His reference was 'there are things on the iron'. And that is it!! Other than that, I have heard nothing. Ya know...if the guy who owns the old Grand Union, doesn't want to do anything with that property...why not give it to the town for a cheap buck? Then perhaps they could look for contractors to develop it like they did for the old curry road shopping plaza.

Nothing big, bumble, but to quote you, the 'there are things on the iron' was actually 'there are irons in the fire' as in getting hot and ready to strike, as would be done with branding of cattle, etc. Just an expression, just wanted it to be clear.

I've been hearing the town board say that for 2 years now, when are we going to take those irons out of the fire and brand something with them. What good is it to have projects in the works that never come to pass?

Hey come on...it's an election year....you can bet that we will either hear of see something solid before November. That's my guess anyways. Things always heat up just a couple of months before an election.

I drove by Masullo Estates yesterday and their roads still look like a washboard, full of patches, and no work being done on the sewers. I know for a fact that the people who live there are sick and tired of hearing we're working on the problem or we have to do another study. There's a few people over there that won't be voting for some of the incumbents.

Quoted from Shadow

I drove by Masullo Estates yesterday and their roads still look like a washboard, full of patches, and no work being done on the sewers. I know for a fact that the people who live there are sick and tired of hearing we're working on the problem or we have to do another study. There's a few people over there that won't be voting for some of the incumbents.

The problem with that is we said that under the Constantino administration, then the Signore crew, now Tommasone - none of them, in perpetuity have done anything to rectify this mess. These homeowners deserve better.

Tommasone seems to do alot of talking....tells you what you want to hear, typical politician I guess I thought he was different, hope I'm wrong..

After watching closely to what's been going on in the town I am disappointed in the way the Town Board has performed. When they first took office it sounded like things were going to be different and problems would be addressed and Rotterdam would get the improvements in it's infrastructure that it so desperately needs. Now after giving them time to accomplish their goals it seems that they've become just politicians telling us what we want to hear and then doing nothing.

Shadow - it does appear that way to me as well. However, if I remember correctly, the infrustructure (sewers) that we heard so much about in the beginning, hinged on local developers. If I recall, the local, private devlopers presented a proposal to the town for either approval or discussion.

Supposedly, the developers would install the new sewers and 'bill the town'. There are a few more details as well as far as who will maintain them and when. That's all I know anywyas.

I remember hearing that as well Bumble but I think the builders and the Town Board had a falling out over a few issues and the deal fell thru.

I remember hearing that it was all in place when the dems were in control. Then when the reps took the majority and their was the big hub bub about Wal-Mart on the triangle and the corporate commerce rezoning...it all went sour. Told ya that the old mental ideal people in this town don't change very well! WHERE ARE THE YOUNG FOLKS OR NEW RESIDENTS IN TOWN?????

Sorry no new residents with high property tax and no infrastructure to attract business so that the new people can find a job. Remember we're one of the highest tax paying county's in the country that's something to really be proud of.

Quoted from Shadow

Sorry no new residents with high property tax and no infrastructure to attract business so that the new people can find a job. Remember we're one of the highest tax paying county's in the country that's something to really be proud of.

But, rotterdam has low taxes right now......taxes will go up,,,,,who are we kidding....we are not ostriches with our heads in the sand will I be out taxed,,,probably,,,but hopefully I have gotten into this homeownership thing under our means....if we want to stay there and keep folks coming(there are always state jobs/and police jobs open)build the infrastructure....make Rotterdam a gem....get the sewers, sidewalks, lights and quaint shopping districts with some corporate jobs......folks...we must take the bull by the horns and get moving....stagnation is death........

I don't know about you but when I got my tax bill last year it was far from low. What did I get from my tax money, my street was resurfaced and my brush was picked up. I wouldn't mind paying a little more taxes if I could see something being done with them besides paying the salaries of the town employees and police dept salary and benefits.

Quoted from Shadow

I don't know about you but when I got my tax bill last year it was far from low. What did I get from my tax money, my street was resurfaced and my brush was picked up. I wouldn't mind paying a little more taxes if I could see something being done with them besides paying the salaries of the town employees and police dept salary and benefits.

My point exactly.....the taxes are only considered "high" when the 'value' of munipal services falls.......we are lacking vision and value....how do we fix that???

Quoted from Shadow

I don't know about you but when I got my tax bill last year it was far from low. What did I get from my tax money, my street was resurfaced and my brush was picked up. I wouldn't mind paying a little more taxes if I could see something being done with them besides paying the salaries of the town employees and police dept salary and benefits.

Check the RPD budget! We can't even cut there because of the PBA. The benefits are killing us!

you got your road resurfaced...lucky you...i pay very high taxes and have to watch the road crumble in front of my house.....

I cant believe all this effort is going to the meetings and no one sends a message of what was said or ANYTHING !!!

The town is still paving roads, maybe they'll get to yours b4 the summer is over.

I wanted sewers before paving......like my Grandma always says....s*** in one hand and wish in the other and see what you get first..... ;D

Quoted from biaggio

you got your road resurfaced...lucky you...i pay very high taxes and have to watch the road crumble in front of my house.....

Remember a bandaide can only keep a damn from breaking for so long......then the flood comes......the jay walkers on Altamont ave are just 'flooding' the street........

Without a solid foundation/infrastructure and patina/ambience---anything goes ,as long as the $$ flows........SHOW ME THE $$ TRAIL.....

Quoted from senders

I wanted sewers before paving......like my Grandma always says....s*** in one hand and wish in the other and see what you get first..... ;D

And she is right: the S*** in our one hand is Rotterdam's(municipally),,,,and we all wish we had nice streets sewers and lights and sidewalks,,,,,how do we put that together to make something of value........

The town got some money to repave the roads but none for sewers. If it's free or won't cost anyone votes it'll get done if not as Senders says, wish in one hand and now you know the rest of the story.

Perhaps the town's powers to be are in fact looking into money for sewers. If they are, it would only benefit them (and us) if they would relay that information to us. What ever happened to the Rotterdam news letter that we received ONCE? What about the newspaper? What about the town's website? What about this website? There are clearly enough outlets to get this information to the people with.

Oh...and I heard there was a little scuffle at that alcohol/drug rehab place on Hamburg Street. Don't know the exact detail!

I just checked the town website and took another look at that newsletter that we received a while ago. I was surprised how long ago it was. All it says about future letters is "Check future editions of our Rotterdam newsletter for Web site updates."

So, I don't know exactly how often they're looking at sending this out. Maybe it's being just used as a political tool and we should see it jut before the November elections. Then, it could come out under the ploy that it's a semi-annual newsletter. I even suggested to the town that they could save money by just putting it on-line, or letting people opt-in to the on0line version instead of mailing it to everyone.

I think that there should be more open communications coming from the town board. I can not make it to the town meetings. I try to remember to watch it on Saturday on SCTV. I also think that either a newsletter or maybe even a weekly update on the town website. We can't wait for the newspaper to print these things.

I thought I saw a for sale or lease sign in front of the tux store...are you leaving or is the building for sale? Oh no!

I heard that they were looking into buying the old Henry's cleaners. But first they have to do some soil testing. That is what I heard anyways. That would be a nice move for them. And it is a very nice building.

Do you mean right across from the rink? That would be very nice. The mayor of Hamburg St owns that building though...is he going to sell?

Yes right across from the rink. I didn't know who owned the building. I should have know it was 'the mayor'. Well, if they are looking to buy it...than I guess the mayor is looking to sell it. I would be nice! Perhaps the mayor will start to sell his other properties as well. That would be real nice too!!!!!!

Yep, the Mayor owns it. It is kind of wierd, the signs in the building. There are two doors, one says for sale, the other says for lease. So, who knows. We did see some people there the other day looking, they went inside too. Would be nice if something new went in there. We are planning a big grand reopening for the car wash, we hung a big banner today...would be nice to have some kind of tie in with the area businesses...big Hamburg St revitilization grand opening day! Reduced car wash fee, cheap cones at the ice cream shop, sample food for a low fee at the Redwood...rent a tux get a discount...Maybe get the haircutting places involved, there are two, one next to CVS, and JT Cutting Co. near the firehouse. Have a band at the Senior Center. I know this does not help with our plight for sewers, etc., would just be nice to have a community event.

When is the grand opening. I would come...the car always needs washing even with all of this rain. You have described a picture perfect day on Hamburg St. It is yet perhaps the quaintest area in Rotterdam. Even with all of the needed updating....it does still have the small town charm. It is still remenicent of Rotterdam. And I don't mean that in a bad way. I guess we just need the 'mayor' to let go of the old and let some of the new in. (but not altamont ave. 'new') Altamont Ave doesn't even look like small town Rotterdam anymore. And that's ok...but keeping some of the small town charm is still needed and Hamburg Street has it. With smart development, the area 'can' be updated and renewed and yet still keep it's character.

Not sure when the new equipment will be delivered, by the end of August for sure. We are putting in new walls, new vacuums, everything will be new, and in better working condition. Right now, half of the equipment works. People get mad, and rightly so. We keep fixing things until we get the new stuff, that is why we hung the banner...so people know something good is going to happen. We want everyone to know we are trying and things are going to change...atleast in our little corner. So, as we get more info and know a date when we are going to have our big grand reopening we will let everyone know. I will put something on this site!

Perhaps you could spread the word and maybe the other businesses on Hamburg St. will join in on the grand opening. And if that did all come to pass, maybe the gazette or spotlight news could put a plug in as well in their printings. I really think it could all come together nicely. It would be a great time of year with all of the kids getting ready to go back to school or just starting back. Perhaps it could end up being a yearly thing! I REALLY think it could happen!!!!

We don't need sewers and other infrustructure to 'start'.

Quoted from rollarama

Not sure when the new equipment will be delivered, by the end of August for sure. We are putting in new walls, new vacuums, everything will be new, and in better working condition. Right now, half of the equipment works. People get mad, and rightly so. We keep fixing things until we get the new stuff, that is why we hung the banner...so people know something good is going to happen. We want everyone to know we are trying and things are going to change...atleast in our little corner. So, as we get more info and know a date when we are going to have our big grand reopening we will let everyone know. I will put something on this site!

I just hope this doesn't raise your prices even more :( I've always found your carwash convenient, but dang it's expensive.

http://www.dailygazette.com

Quoted Text

Round and round we go on the roundabouts
GEORGE BEAUDOIN Rotterdam

In response to all of the controversy concerning the roundabouts in Malta, I say if you can’t comprehend the whole concept behind a roundabout, avoid it. It leaves them less congested for those of us who do.
I do drive a tractor-trailer, and yes, I can negotiate my way around the outer lane without colliding with the cars in the inner lane.

3 bucks for 8 minutes....cheapest around...unless somethings changed already...

Quoted Text
Round and round we go on the roundabouts
GEORGE BEAUDOIN Rotterdam

In response to all of the controversy concerning the roundabouts in Malta, I say if you can’t comprehend the whole concept behind a roundabout, avoid it. It leaves them less congested for those of us who do.
I do drive a tractor-trailer, and yes, I can negotiate my way around the outer lane without colliding with the cars in the inner lane.

Thanks for the factual statement on the roundabout...to many people comment based on what they have heard.....

OK, I guess I'm dumb. Who is the mayor of Hamburg St?. I'm probably way off base but I'll take a stab at either Geloso or Valentine

Your first stab was correct. It is Mr. Geloso.

Who's Geloso, and what things does he own over there? With the first statement, I thought it might be a misspelling of Galesi, as we know how much of "friends" they are with the town, but I guess not. Is there a business or multiple businesses hat Mr(s). Geloso owns?

he sure does, look at any junk property...its his.....Country Inn, Old Henry's cleaners, St. peters Drug rehab....his own Joe's Pizza...have a look at what crawls out of there at night..

Take a look at the Sons of Italy....what a great job of cleaning up they have done...landscaping new sign and the inside is really shaping up. I wish everyone on Hamburg would follow suit.....

Rollarama and the Car wash....great job too...

Hey! $3.00 for 8 minutes is outrageously cheap! We are the cheapest around...go check any other car wash. Even the guys putting in our new equipment say we are nuts. And NO we are not going to increase the price. We love Rotterdam, we want our residents to be happy, we want to be a respected business. We can make money at these prices...as long as people stop dumping crap off at our lot, dumping crap in the bays...we think we have taken care of that with our security cameras. As soon as the new walls are up we are hanging our new signs...these premises are under 24 hr video surveillance...which they are. Anyway....we want everyone to look forward to an improvement to a building that has been around for over 50 yrs and never improved. We are doing it...We are enthusiastic and happy to beautify Hamburg St. We want it to be catchy...we want our Street to survive and thrive.

Perhaps I was mistaken ... someone else perhaps has it like $4 for 4 or 5 minutes, I thought I rememebered it being you - I'm sorry.

What's happening with the old Grand Union, anyone know?

no need to be sorry...and the Grand Union...we heard the new owner is going to "sit on the property" until he can make a profit. Nothing is going in there. He just wants to sell it.

He bought it to turn ot over.....What a Guy...

Yeah, not a good thing. However, we need to make the best of it. We need to take pride in what we have, not let anyone get us down. So, the Grand Union is a big old ugly building...let us try to revitalize in spite of it. Let's ask him if we can use his parking lot for our Hamburg St Grand Reopening day. Let's have a tailgate party in the lot, we'll pay him, maybe $10.00 per car and we will cook out, have fun and communicate with each other in spite of the big vacant building, maybe he will get into the spirti! hahahah. Instead of complaining, lets figure out how to get around it, if we can. And let's invite UHaul to be a part of it, but only if they clean up the weeds hahhhaahah
s

KUDOS TO THE CAR WASH!!!! For all of the effort you have made...I WILL come there to wash my car!

And yes..the Mayor, Mr. Geloso owns all that Biaggio said. And all of his property could use some help! He has had some good patrons over the years but I don't ever remember him putting it back into the community, such as rehabing his existing property. That is long overdue!

As far as the Grand Union, we can only hope and pray that there will be 'someone' out there who will puchase that beast! Perhaps the present owner of the old grand union should be activly looking for developers. Perhaps he is...but the town seemed to get some good, responds for the Curry rd plaza. Why not the old grand union?

Just call the U-Hauls main office and complain about the property. I think I have their corporate number at work. It's local. I will check Monday and post it. Perhaps we could 'all' call!

Or better yet...where is our code enforcer? :-/

Well, thanks for the Kudos. We hope everyone washes their car at our car wash...we hope everyone skates for fun at the rink. and we hope Hamburg Street becomes all that it should be. Let's celebrate our street and our businesses and our residents and have some fun. Let's buy some tuxedos, rent some storage, buy some ice cream, get some diner food, get a hair cut, buy some overpriced gas, have some screen printing done, do a little shopping at the drug store, buy some jewelry, take in a little leauge game, get some great coffee, my goodness. we certainly can do a lot on Hamburg St, can't we! Look at all we have. We could also go to mass, join the sons of Italy, buy a big screen TV, rent a hotel room and have some Indian food! What the heck else do we need? I am just trying to lighten things up, but honestly when you think of all the services on our beloved Hamburg St, it certainly is a lot, don't you think?

And like I stated before...it is still the last street left standing in Rotterdam, that when it does redevelop, it can still maintain the 'charm' that Rotterdam 'use' to have! I will give a plug for Center Stage Deli...I love their cheese burgers!!!

Quoted from rollarama

Yeah, not a good thing. However, we need to make the best of it. We need to take pride in what we have, not let anyone get us down. So, the Grand Union is a big old ugly building...let us try to revitalize in spite of it. Let's ask him if we can use his parking lot for our Hamburg St Grand Reopening day. Let's have a tailgate party in the lot, we'll pay him, maybe $10.00 per car and we will cook out, have fun and communicate with each other in spite of the big vacant building, maybe he will get into the spirti! hahahah. Instead of complaining, lets figure out how to get around it, if we can. And let's invite UHaul to be a part of it, but only if they clean up the weeds hahhhaahah
s

Maybe even a craft fair in the old grand union parking lot. Fall is a good time for them. And perhaps next year, someone could solicit the Rotterdam Elks to have their car show there (old grand union) instead of the Curry Rd Shopping Plaza since that area may be gone anyways.

INFRASTRUCTURE,,,,,INFRASTRUCTURE,,,,INFRASTRUCTURE......SEWERS,,,,SEWERS,,,,,SEWERS.......SIDEWALKS,,,,,SIDEWALKS,,,,,SIDEWALKS......BENCHES,,,,,BENCHES,,,,BENCHES......................................................................................WAITING...................................WAITING.................................WAITING.........................................WAITING.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ELECTION...............................................................................................................................WAITING................................................WAITING........................................................................WAITING.....................................................................................................................................................................ELECTION......................................................................................WAITING....................................... ??)

[color=red][/color] Dont hold your breath....Our politicians wont do anything until they have to.....it isnt time !!!

Bumble thru, good question, where is our code enforcer ??....we should contact him for many properties...I thought they were trained to see these things.

Well, first I would call U-Haul. Give them a chance to clean up their 'mess'. I would explain to them that the neighborhood, both residents and businesses alike, are trying to clean up the area an would appreciate their cooperation. And if nothing in a reasonable amount of time...call the code enforcer.

I called Uhaul last year and complained about their weeds(that used to be landscaping) at the "sidewalk" on Patton Drive and Hamburg St......they responded by just pulling them up,,leaving dirt all over and skinny weeds doing NOTHING ELSE...I must say CVS parking lot is looking good, so is the car wash. I hope ALL THE BUSINESSES ON HAMBURG STREET GET INVOLVED IN THE CLEAN-UP........"HEY MONEY MACHINE, LOOK AT US NOW"........THAT IS WHAT WE SHOULD BE SAYING....BUT LETS NOT TURN INTO ALTAMONT AVE......KEEP IT QUAINT......

http://www.dailygazette.com

Quoted Text

Roundabouts likely to become familar
BY JILL BRYCE Gazette Reporter

   Take a drive around the Capital Region and it’s likely you’ll fi nd a roundabout in your travels.
   Popular in Europe and Great Britain for years, roundabouts are popping up in the Capital Region as a way to slow down traffic, replace traffic signals and move motorists through intersections safely.
   Yet state transportation offi cials say there is no long-range plan or timetable to convert intersections in the state system to roundabouts. But it seems inevitable that roundabouts will become even more popular in the region as projects that include signalized intersections are designed and the roundabout is chosen as the safest option.
   “Ten years ago I don’t believe we had any,” said Geoffrey Wood, design supervisor for Region 1 of the state Department of Transportation. “The change has come about for DOT within the last 10 years.
   They keep traffi c flowing and they reduce the frequency and severity of accidents. In many situations, the roundabout option will be the better, overall solution, Wood said.
   There are 32 roundabouts operating in the state, 10 are under construction and about 50 are in some planning stage, according to DOT.
   Some in the planning stages include the first in Schenectady County, one in Broadalbin on Routes 29 and 30 and one on Route 4 in East Greenbush.
   Roundabouts generally slow traffic. They are much smaller than the traffic circles built in the 1950s and 1960s that tended to confuse motorists.
   Because of the smaller radius of the circle, it forces a speed reduction. “It is impossible to go through at more than 15 to 20 mph. With reduced speeds come a reduction in the severity of accidents, “ said Wood.
   When the state is considering redoing an intersection, several factors would tip the balance in favor of building a roundabout, instead of using a traffic signal.
   If an existing intersection has a higher than normal accident rate, or a pattern of high-severity accidents, a roundabout might be the best alternative. Or, if an intersection has excessive delays, a roundabout might help improve the flow of traffi c.
   Speed enforcement is part of the reason a roundabout is built because it provides a signifi - cant speed reduction, said Christopher O’Neill, senior transportation planner at the Capital District Transportation Committee.
   Also, because roundabouts do not require turning lanes on the intersection approaches — as signalized intersections do — the overall size of the intersection can require less space at the intersection and on the approaches than a signalized intersection, said Wood.
   Roundabouts can work well in both urban and suburban settings and many communities in New York have one or more roundabouts — like Glens Falls, Kinderhook, Malta, and Voorheesville.
   There is no specific volume of traffic needed for a roundabout to work well.
   The state Department of Transportation said progress has been made in the design of circular intersections, and modern roundabouts ease congestion and offer a safe alternative to traffic signals.
   O’Neill said they eliminate high-speed right angle collisions. “Roundabouts have been extremely popular in Europe. There are tremendous safety and traffi c flow benefits. They work better in peak hours and get traffic through an intersection faster than a signaled intersection.”
   Projects eligible for federal funds typically qualify for 80 percent reimbursement and, according to DOT, this funding has nothing to do with the intersection option selected.
   Roundabouts may be more or less expensive to construct than making improvements to a signalized intersection, depending on the needs in a specific location. DOT selects the most appropriate intersection type for a given location taking all factors into account.
   A traffic signal can cost up to $15,000 annually to maintain, while there is no similar cost for the roundabout.
   Two more roundabouts are under consideration in Malta — one at the intersection of Route 9 with Stonebreak Road and the other at the Tech Park access point on Route 67, about a half mile east of Route 9.
   The first in Schenectady County may be built at the intersection of Curry Road, Hamburg Street and Carman Road, just off I-890.
   The $850,000 state-funded project would begin in June 2008 and be complete in six months.
   Richard Snell, an engineer with the state DOT, said the intersection has an accident rate that’s 177 percent above the state average for similar roads. With a roundabout, the number of accidents would decrease, he said.
   A public meeting was held in June on the project and DOT spokesman Peter Van Keuren said consensus is to build a roundabout at the intersection.
   The roundabout would replace a traffic signal at the intersection and would be constructed next year.
   Another roundabout is being considered as part of the Glenridge Road project at the intersection of Glenridge Road and Maple Avenue, between Route 146 in Clifton Park and Route 50 in the town of Glenville.
   The main purpose of this state project is to replace two railway underpasses and make them wider. If approved, construction would begin in late 2009.
   Meanwhile, construction is expected to begin late this year on the Round Lake bypass. This would include a roundabout at each end of the bypass — one on Route 9 at the end of the bypass and right off Northway Exit 11, just before the village of Round Lake.

This must be the NYS circle jerk of the economy?????

Did anyone notice when the new grafitti was painted on the side of the newly remodeled EZ Wash? That poor guy re sided and repainted that whole building, cleaned it up and then some idiots decide to grafitti it up...it has since been painted over, but what a sad commentary on our little neck of the woods. I hope they caught the idiots that did it.

Here we go....wait,,,,,wait,,,,,,wait,,,,,wait,,,,wait........election,,,,wait,,,,,wait,,,,,wait,,,,,wait,,,,,election....blah blah blah blah.....................

What a shame.
And I still say it comes from the overflow from the city.
and Walmart certainly doesn't help the situation either.
And now the brandeeee new thrift store that will open soon!

IT'S CALLED WHAT????------THE TOWN OF ROTTERDAM.......

This grafitti is being done by the people that the like of Joe Geloso and others rent to here in Rotterdam...We are starting to see more and more section 8....I'm sorry but I dont like what I'm seeing and I dont know if you can turn back...

That is because with section 8, it's NOT about the charector of the tennents it is all about the money. The land owners are guarenteed their check by the first of the month, each and every month without fail. That is why most owners are opting for section 8 tennents.

Don't get me wrong, there are people on section 8 that are respectable people who also respect the apartments they reside in. It's just unfortunate that the few bad apples truly do spoil the entire barrel. And section 8 can NOT be selective by charector....it is by their financial status only that qualify them.

Dont give them a pat.....there are missing sections and it still looks like crap.....my house may not be a $450k home, I am not a giant corporation, but I have to tell ya, my neighbors and I do a better job and we dont raise our prices......however, I'm sure if I did have a $450k home, walmart wouldn't even be there, even so the town does have a code and standards----who is the enforcer........

NOW ON TO HAMBURG STREET FOLKS........

http://www.dailygazette.com

Quoted Text

A roundabout way of reducing accidents

   I live at Exit 11 of the Northway and the traffic
has definitely increased at Exit 11 since the roundabouts
were completed at Exit 12. Contrary to what other letters
have stated, drivers are getting off the Northway at Exit 11
to avoid the roundabouts at Exit 12.
   I do not believe these Malta roundabouts are any safer
than the previous traffic lights
— people just avoid driving them — which reduced the accident rate.
   CYNTHIA B. TROISCHT
   Ballston Lake

http://www.timesunion.com
Marv Cermak

Quoted Text

Delays on drugstore

More than two years ago, there was mention of CVS planning to close Rotterdam pharmacies at Hamburg Street and Hannaford Plaza in favor of a new combined Schenectady shop.

CVS proposes building at the busy Altamont/Chrisler intersection. Construction would begin after demolition of the landmark American Legion Post 1005 and two adjacent vehicle service buildings.

At first, the project crawled because CVS had to complete government-ordered environmental tests and other studies. In more recent months, the city Planning Commission has held up site plan approval.

Among other things, commission members don't like the proposed building configuration. They also want to reduce CVS' parking plan from 67 to 45 spaces.

The street buzz has CVS, upset over delays, considering other potential Rotterdam locations including the former Grand Union on Hamburg Street. Meanwhile, American Legion officials said CVS has extended its purchase option until September. Stay tuned.

I think it would be a great idea for the CVS to move into the old Grand Union on Hamburg Street. The building may be too large for just a CVS, but perhaps CVS would take a portion of it and the rest could be rented out to small businesses. They have ample parking and it would be central to all of the Hamburg Street, Highbridge and Coldbrook residents. I do hope that our Rotterdam officials and the land owner are doing all they can to 'invite' CVS to this location.

you know, Ihave probably said this before.....what if they put nice sidewalks, some landscaping etc....who will maintain it, Rotterdam does a horrible job of keeping up anything...the intersection of hamburg and Curry is one big weed....

Well, biag...IF we get sidewalks with nice landscaping and we see that the town is not maintaining them....simple....we pick up the phone, email or snail mail them with our concerns. Ya know....hold their feet to the fire.

However, perhaps the town will be responsible for the sidewalks, but the landscaping is usually the responsibility of the developer/business. For example the new Rite Aide on the corner of Curry and Guilderland, all of the landscaping's upkeep is their responsibility. Same with the new Dunkin Donuts at 5 corners.

http://www.dailygazette.com

Quoted Text

Roundabout no place for NASCAR attitude

   This is regarding the roundabout controversy. If people would only discard their NASCAR mentality, along with the “me first” attitude displayed at all roundabouts, maybe they would fi nd it a lot easier to cope with them.
   Slowing down and using a little courtesy in a roundabout is also a big help. The fact that you don’t have to stop and wait for a long light should be an added incentive to just slow down and cooperate. Or is that so far in the past?
   AL SMITH
   Cobleskill

The town will be rewsponsible for some of the land but as you said Bumble the land in front of the businesses will have to be maintained by the resident/business which ever the case may be.

Mr. Smith, you live in COBLESKILL for heaven's sake. I don't think anyone drives over 25-30mph there. Nor does anyone need to there. Geeezzzzz...on any given day in Rotterdam, people go 45mph down Altamont Ave and Curry/rt7. And the only time they go slower is 5oclock traffic on Curry and Altamont and that is due to the congestion.

Hey Al, Rotterdam is like a big city when placed next to Cobleskill.

And might I add that I think Cobleskill is probably one of the nicest townships around. I honestly would move there in a heartbeat. Beautiful area for sure!

Quoted from CICERO

Storefront upgrades planned on upper Union Street
May 10, 2007 at 10:38 am by Eric Anderson, Deputy business editor
The Schenectady neighborhood will get $250,000 in matching funds from the Metroplex Development Authority to continue work on thre Upper Union Street Facade Program.

At least four projects to rehabilitate a total of 10 storefronts are in the works for the current construction season.

So far, 12 buildings representing 23 businesses have had their facades improved. Businesses include Northeastern Fine Jewelry, Gershon’s Deli, Scotti’s Restaurant, Ferri Formals and Union Street Aquarium.

“Metroplex is pleased to work with (the Upper Union Street Business Improvement District) and is proud to co-sponsor and help fund this program,” said Metroplex Chairman Ray Gillen.

Applicants can contact Anne Savage at 273-8980 for more information about the program.

Okay Mr. Gillen and Ms.Savage...how 'bout Hamburg Street?

Remember Susan Savage is still mad at us over the results of the 105th district election so she's not going to let any money come our way.

what is she mad about ??? nothing should be held back because of some old issue....I havent heard much about the Hamburg St. Business association....kind of nothing going on Huh ??

This town needs to think very seriously about the infrastructure required on Hamburg St......right now !!!! No more waiting....what is going on ???

I hope you don't think that the town is just going to spend the kind of money that's needed to improve Hamburg Street. First of all they don't have the money so unless the town gets some money from grants or metroplex it's going to be a long time b4 you see any improvements done. To answer your question Susan is upset about her Dem Ed Kosiur not being elected to the 105th district. She was one of the spokesman for Kosiur when he was making the rounds trying to gather votes.

The metroplex is so hell bent on State Street, that they can't see beyond their little empire. Don't expect anything too wonderful too soon from the metroplex. We either are the wrong party affiliation or we just don't rub elbows with the selected few!

And Rotterdam does need financial help in order to get things done and up to snuff. NOTHING has been done for decades in this town and it is going to take some bucks and some time to get things done.

I mean let's look people...we have residents living in homes that were built on swamps for God's sake. A sprawl mall over the aquifer. Some may think that Walmart is just on Altamont Ave, when in fact it has negatively effected most of coldbrook, if not the entire east end of town. The RPD has been allowed to have a very liberal contract that is costing the taxpayers a bundle. Apartments next to sewage plants. Inadequet roads for Rotterdam's growing multifamily housing population.

We can't go back, but we can learn from our (their) mistakes and hope that things are done right this time.

http://www.dailygazette.com

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Make Malta roundabouts like the ones in England

   It is really quite amazing that the state Department of Transportation decided to build a series of roundabouts on Route 67, Route 9 and I-87. The ideas and plans must have been done without any consideration for successful roundabouts. England uses roundabouts extensively and very successfully. What was built here in no way looks like an English roundabout — which trucks can navigate without difficulty, and two lines of traffic move smoothly without delays.
   Shame on engineers for failing to do their research. I suggest they go to England and see what works. And then come home and replace these monstrosities on Route 67, Route 9, and I-87 with something that drivers can use. If New York won’t give them a plane ticket, they should take the four and one-half hour drive to Gloucester, Mass., where there are two roundabouts. Although not as good as England, they are better than what we have.
DOT does not need to reinvent the roundabout. They only need to copy what works. Let’s give it another try. Bring out the bulldozers once again and fix the “Malta Mess.”
KEN HECKELER
Glenville

Well, I guess you guys are right....this area is definatley going to the crapper and if something doesnt happen soon you might as well get out....I am....

Bumble I totally agree.

Quoted from biaggio

Well, I guess you guys are right....t
his area is definatley going to the crapper and if something
doesnt happen soon you might as well get out....I am....

I agree with you whole heartedly...but ya can't give up the fight.
We have to keep pressing ahead for the future of our children and grandchildren.
If only the people would realize how much power we, the taxpayers, the residents have.
We just need to stand up and be heard! We should, every one of us, be attending
the town board meetings...all of them!!! I know time is an issue for some, but
there is still email and snail mail. I find snail mail to be the best. They HAVE to
open them. It has a larger impact. A visual if you will.
They just can't click 'delete'!

Let the politicians know what we want them to do and as Bumble says attend the meetings and let them know how many votes they won't have come election day if they don't follow our wishes.

maybe you have something there...i'm going to start bugging people until I get some answers....I might not want to hear what they have to say, but at least i will know what the plan is.....But of course they are politicians and will tell you what you want to hear....

Just remember people, that this is an election year. So put your order in now! It'll be like Christmas. Ya know, giving your list to Santa in hopes you will find them under the tree Christmas morning.

Quoted from bumblethru

Just remember people, that this is an election year. So put your order in now! It'll be like Christmas. Ya know, giving your list to Santa in hopes you will find them under the tree Christmas morning.

And you know the best part about it? You know for a fact they have to get it to you before Christmas.

The three "royalty" Sue Savage, Ed Kosiur and Judy Dagostino

How about the Three Stooges?

It's hard to tell Ed, Judy, and Sue apart in the photo Bumble.

Oh, it's definately Eddy in the middle and the girls on each side. They are pissed at him for losing miserably!!!! And in doing so, it has threatened their very own political existance. Ed Kosiur has become the poster boy for the dems and how pathetic they are! ;D

http://www.nysthruway.gov/projectsandstudies/studies/albany/pac.html

This is from 2004.....now what are we STILL waiting for...... >:(

I know it sounds like a long time....3 years in the making.....but this is a huge, expensive undertaking!! HUGE!!! And I would like to know exactly how necessary these changes are needed. I certainly would rather see our tax dollar be dumped into our town for infrustructure as opposed to feeding the thruway beast!

The best we will get from the DOT is a roundabout. And they say it is for safety purposes. I would like to know the stats on exactly how many accidents have happened at the Curry/Hamburg Street intersection that warrents a costly roundabout. Must we remind ourselves again, that all of Rotterdam is nothing more than a 2 lane street (not highway), a 2 lane street town. I have my doubts about the necessity of a roundabout in Rotterdam. We aren't Clifton park/Wilton.

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Interchange 25:
All five concepts would expand the toll plaza.

Concept F - Split toll plazas would separate traffic entering and exiting the Thruway. The Thruway ramps on the south side of the Thruway would be relocated to the west. A partial diamond interchange would provide access to Curry Road.

Concept G - Split toll plazas would separate traffic entering and exiting the Thruway. The new toll plazas would be located north of the existing toll plaza, and new loop ramps would provide access to Curry Road.

Concept H - The toll plaza would be moved north of the existing toll plaza. New loops ramps would provide access to Curry Road.

Concept J - Split toll plazas would separate traffic entering and exiting the Thruway. A diamond interchange located north of Curry Road would connect Curry Road and I-890.

Concept K - Split toll plazas would separate traffic entering and exiting the Thruway. The Thruway ramps on the south side of the Thruway would be relocated to the west.

It is a huge undertaking....here's the thing....let's take our $$ (taxes) and do it.....

Quoted from senders

It is a huge undertaking....here's the thing....let's take our $$ (taxes) and do it.....

I could think of more imporant, urgent issues that need addressing before thowing more money at the thruway! Or a roundabout for that matter.

Wasn't the collection of tolls by the NYS Thruway Authority supposed to end years ago? Where are the revenues that are being collected in tolls being spent? I presume that it is being wasted paying for the inefficient and unaccountable burgeoning bureacracy of the Thruway Authority itself? I see no justification for taxpayers to fund enhancements to toll plazas or road construction/repairs to the toll road. The residents of New York State need to let their voices of opposition be heard.

The tolls go to 'create' all those state jobs on the thruway.....although with e-z pass there are no folks in those little 'houses'--you would think the cost would have gone down or disappeared.....it certainly cant be to support the trips to and from NYC....the mayor wants to have a tax imposed if you drive in Manhatten....I wonder what HE thinks of thruway tolls....

I dont commute on the thruway everyday or even 1day a week.....it really doesn't bother me.....but,,,,

if they were to get rid of the tolls for the commuters and travelers.....guess who will pick up that tab,,,,

you betcha....the tax payer.....NYS beauracracy couldn't stand to be without some of the funds....my my my, what, with their friends in high places and all........

How about handing out scratch offs at the toll booths at $1.00 a piece or however many you want at that cost.....New Yorkers like a game and chance...... after all that is how we support and educate our kids...(and support those unions)

We could offer themes---it is track season now, how about "Let's race to Saratoga"--scratch off and see if your horse wins, or, those folks who go to Utica,,,the list is endless

But, then they would have to make a law for----scratching while driving ;D

I like the idea of a scratch off, but perhaps video gaming machines (VGMs) would be a better attraction. They could install them in each toll lane. They seem to be a primary source of revenue in New York State in recent times.

Yup...then the dem/libs have to make yet another government program called, 'gamblers annonymous'! Go figure! On one hand they promote, advertise and encourage gambling...after they have gotten you addicted...yup, then it's off to gamblers annonymous you go!! And guess who's footing the bill?

Here's another stupid decision...NYS budgeted the tax money from cigarettes to increase their tax revenue. THEN they get this brainstorm to BAN SMOKING. Then comes the storm of anti smoking ads just months after the implentation of the cigarette tax. I mean, what the heck are they thinking? Or are they?

Bumble that's just it they're not thinking.

For some reason folks hate to pay taxes(for infrastructure and take care of themselves),,,,but, damn,,,,,everyone likes a scratch off, lotto ticket, quick draw (at just about all the local hang outs),pissing away $$ at the race track, trips to the casinos etc.....money that is not tracked and used for what....

sheeple are dumb......

Maybe we should take the lottery money and put it towards the infrastructure instead, and have the money for the schools actually come from the people in each district. That way we don't pay taxes to the state for other school districts. I'm sure that much of the state lottery goes to downstate schools.

I called the Lottery office and had them send me their annual report that showed where the money goes. And you are correct bk, most goes down state.

Was there a meeting yesterday ?? Can anyone supply an overview or minutes ??

I heard...and don't quote me on this, but I believe it was cancelled due to personal vacations....which is understandable.

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Do to vacations and various other conflicts form our members, Sam and I have decided to cancel August meeting. Any questions you can call me at 374-0530. The next meeting will be on September 10th at 7PM. We will let you know where. Also the next meeting will have some very important information as to whats is happening. Remember this all takes time, but things will happen for the better of Hamburg St.

Thank You for interest
Frank DePalma

Does the town comp plan include sewers and other infrastructure....we need a plan for SOLID FOUNDATIONS.....not just vote getters....the changing of the guard is in progress.....stagnation will kill us....WHERE IS THE VALUE....WHAT IS THE VALUE....WHERE IS OUR POSTERITY......

Anyone know whats going on next to Joe's Pizza....I heard the building is getting torn down..dont know why..

I don't know anything about that, but perhaps Rollarama, who posts here periodically can fill us in. Or anyone else that is privie to some information in the Hamburg Street area.

Sorry, I have no idea

looks like the windows are all broke out......I say the thing is coming down......maybe to add parking for the Hotel....Joe probably cant afford thje taxes on the building and sold it..

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Joe probably cant afford thje taxes on the building and sold it..

Now you just may have touched on something here. Whatever is going on, let's just hope it is an improvement!!

http://www.dailygazette.com

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Exit 25 draft plan to be before public tonight

   ROTTERDAM — Four months ago, residents gave town and Capital District Transportation Committee officials ideas for the development they envision near Thruway Exit 25.
   Pedestrian-friendly streets, aesthetic light fixtures and green space were among the dozens of suggestions made by residents for the vicinity of Hamburg Street and Curry Road. Town and committee planners compiled these ideas into a draft land-use transportation study, which will be presented during a second workshop at 7 p.m. today in Town Hall.
   “Our main goal is to take a close look at ways to enhance the Hamburg Street area by developing a land use and transportation plan that incorporates smart growth principles into the decision-making process,” said Supervisor Steve Tommasone.
   In addition to the draft, officials will discuss potential new zoning classifications, as well as new design standards for the area between the eastern edge of I-890 and southern border of I-90. Tommasone said residents are encouraged to attend the workshop to give their critique of the draft plan.

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