Home Ownership Opportunity in the City of Albany 

Albany -- The Albany Community Land Trust recently received an award for acquisition and repair of 10 homes for eligible first-time homebuyers in the City of Albany. The $400,000 award from NYS Homes and Community Renewal is for the Community Land Trust's Buyer's Choice Grant Program.  Qualified participants in the program will receive assistance to buy and fix up a home affordably in the City of Albany, including:

·         $30,000 toward repairs and down payment to purchase a house in Albany;

·         expert advice in choosing a property and assistance in rehabbing it;

·         access to additional programs such as energy efficiency repairs;

·         unbiased homebuyer education and financial advising.

"A priority for my administration is improving rundown housing stock and increasing homeownership,” said Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan. “We are pleased to continue our partnership with the Albany Community Land Trust to rehab properties for affordable homeownership."  

The Albany Community Land Trust successfully used a similar award in 2010 to assist 9 families in fixing up properties and becoming new homeowners.  Buyers built equity, stabilized their housing costs, created a legacy for their family, and helped the city's tax base.

The Albany Community Land Trust is a community-based non-profit organization committed to rebuilding neighborhood housing stock and creating high quality permanently affordable housing in the city of Albany.  The Community Land Trust has renovated 69 properties with 92 units. Currently the Land Trust is also managing 44 units of quality affordable rental and has 4 properties under development.

To apply for the program, the first step is to attend a free HomeBuyer 101 course. Held monthly, the next orientation will be held on Tuesday, February 3, 2015.  Sign up at www.AHPHome.org or call 434-1730.

For more information about the Albany Community Land Trust visit www.albanyclt.com. For more information about this home buying program call Louise McNeilly AT 434-1730, ext. 405.

 

 

Mayor Sheehan to Make Announcement with Albany Medical Center

About Development of a North Albany Property

 ALBANY, NY - - Mayor Kathy M. Sheehan will be joined by Albany Medical Center President and CEO James Barba to make an announcement about development of a city property in North Albany at 1:30 p.m. Friday, January 9,  in the lobby of the former LexisNexis building at 1275 Broadway, Albany 12204

 

Subject: NYS Museum Programs , jan 15-21

Reply-To: Albert Gnidica <Albert.Gnidica@nysed.gov>

 

Family Fun Day: Gems & Minerals
Saturday, January 17 1–4 p.m.
Check with Main Lobby Desk on day of event Families Free
Each third Saturday of the month, the Museum offers fun for the whole family with games, crafts, and other theme-based activities.

Behind the Scenes Tour: State Museum Shaker Collection
Saturday, January 17   1 p.m.
Meet in Main Lobby   Adults and Children   Free
Pre-registration is required.
The State Museum's collection of Shaker materials includes several thousand artifacts, only a small portion of which can be seen in the current exhibition. In this behind the scenes tour, visitors will see Shaker artifacts in the museum's collection storage, and explore what made Shaker craftsmanship internationally admired. Space is limited, please register with Nicole LaFountain at 518.474.0575 or email nlafount@mail.nysed.gov.

NYS Museum Research and Collections Wednesday Evening Lecture:
The Naima Site, Long Island
Wednesday, January 21 7–8 p.m
Huxley Theater Adults Free
The Naima Site is an archaeological site located in Hauppauge, NY that was investigated by the New York State Museum’s Cultural Resource Survey Program (CRSP). Archaeological work there has yielded both prehistoric and historic remains, including portions of the “Major ‘Nezer House.” Daniel Mazeau, a Principal Investigator (Archaeology) with CRSP, will summarize the work conducted at the Naima Site, highlighting the process of archaeological interpretation and some observations regarding its occupation.
New York State Education Department
New York State Museum • Cultural Education Center • Albany NY 12230   518 474-5877

Trinity Alliance Program Cure Violence at 341 Clinton Ave. Have coats to give away.  Please share first come, first serve basis. We are limited...

------------------
TRU HEART, INC.

 P.O. Box  509     145 16th Street     Watervliet, NY 12189     Info@TruHeartInc.org

We are excited to announce our #WinterWarriors initiative! Throughout the entire winter we will be collecting Socks, as well as hats, gloves, and scarves, for homeless men, women and children. We will be distributing 100% of these items to local homeless shelters, and directly to individuals in-need. This will NOT be possible without your participation, so we developed a quick guide of how you can get involved!

Here are a few ways:

·         Bring requested items to one of our drop-off locations 

·         Help spread awareness through social media (share, like, retweet, re-gram)

 

·         Tell at least 3 people about this initiative, by phone, email, or text.

 

·         If you have donated or are about to donate, take a picture and use the hash-tag  #WinterWarriors so we can recognize your act of kindness!

 

 Here are our current drop-off locations:

·         J Louisa (1279 Rugby rd, Schnectady, NY 12308)

·         The Daily Grind (204 Lark Street #1, Albany, NY 12210)

·         Starbucks (Newton Plaza, 594 New Loudon Rd, Latham, NY 12110)

·         Cuts and Blends Barbershop (789 State Schenectady, New York 12307)

We will be adding more locations soon!!   If you would like to mail your donations  please ship them to the following address:

Tru Heart, Inc   

145 16TH ST  

P.O. Box 509

Watervliet, NY 12189

 

 

Helpful Community News

1. Albany Rezoning Kick-Off Forum: The City of Albany is beginning the process of comprehensively rewriting its zoning ordinance and land development regulations, which has not occurred since 1968. The City has enlisted Clarion Associates, a nationally recognized planning and land-use firm, to lead the undertaking. Please join Clarion Associates and members of the City’s Department of Planning to formally kick-off the ReZone initiative with an introduction to the process and a gathering of thoughts, ideas and experiences from stakeholders.
You are welcome to attend either of two public open houses at the following dates and times:
* Tuesday, January 13, 2015, 5:30PM – 7:30PM, Albany City Hall – Rotunda

* Wednesday, January 14, 1:00PM – 2:30PM, 200 Henry Johnson Blvd – Community Room
It will be very important for neighborhood advocates to participate in this process!

2. You are invited to a School Budget workshop on January 13 at 5:30pm in the media center at Albany High School.  Please visit www.albanyschools.org for more information.

2. b. You are also invited to the Albany Common Council Public Safety Committee meeting on Tuesday, January 13, 2015 at 7 pm Green Tech High School, 321 Northern Blvd. to receive an update from the Citizen's Police Review Board (CPRB) about their current initiatives. Community members are encouraged to come and learn more about the work of the CPRB. There will be a public comment portion of the meeting in which residents can comment on the work of the CPRB and provide recommendations about how this work can be sustained and improved to build stronger relationships between the community and our police.

 

3. Youth programs at the Plumeri Sports Complex are back for another season of FREE and FUN activities!  Tutoring, art, dance, book club, chess,comics and more. Programs run from January 12 to May 1 in Hoffman Park, so sign up soon. Contact CommunityCenter@StRose.edu or 694-5189 for more information.

4. Neighborhood Association hockey night.  The Council of Area Neighborhood Associations (CANA) is holding a group outing to the Albany Devils vs Hershey Bears Hockey Game on Friday, January 9. Game at 7 pm. Happy Hour at 6 pm.  Tickets are $13. Under 3 free. Get tickets by calling Meg at 433-8457 or memery@thealbanydevils.com.

5.  Anti-cabin fever event: Potluck Walk & Watch Winter Party on Thursday, January 22 starting at 5:30 pm at the Third Reformed Church at Ten Eyck and Kate.  For more info about our walk & watch or the potluck contact Diana at comphomellc@gmail.com or Ed at Emiller2@nycap.rr.com.

6. The Albany Public Library and Historic Albany Foundation (HAF) are partnering to offer an Albany Firehouse History Tour on Thursday, January 29 at 5:30 p.m.
Program starts with presentations by Albany Fire Chief Warren Abriel and Albany City Historian Tony Opalka at the Delaware Branch library. After the talk we'll take a short walk to the historic Marcus T. Reynolds designed Hook& Ladder Number 4 Fire Station on Delaware Avenue to explore the building and learn how it functions. Finally, we will conclude by walking a short distance to Emack and Bolio's to warm up with some hot beverages and treats. $5 HAF Members/$10 General Public. Reservations required! info@historic-albany.org

7. Have you ordered your brick yet? Bricks are being used to pay for the installation of the Trolley Rail sculpture at our library. We can all be part of history. Inscribe your name, the name of a grandchild or child, dedicate it to a loved one, or leave a message for future generations. $50 Brick donations are tax deductible and can be designed by you on line at www.thatsmybrick.com/damg . Credit cards or checks are accepted. There will be an official ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony in the Spring, so get your brick ordered now. For more info contact Diana at comphomellc@gmail.com.

8. During January, money received from the clothing & shoe donations put into the clothing donation bin located Holy Spirit Lutheran Church parking lot (on Garden) will be donated to the Sheehy Palmer VFW post. Good time to clean up your closet.

9. Code Blue: It's expected to get even colder. If you see someone who needs warm shelter or assistance getting inside, call 463-2124 x4 or the Albany Police Department at 438-4000.

Due to low temperatures in the current weather forecast, the City of Albany will be in "Code Blue" status beginning Sunday January 4, 2015 and will continue through Saturday, January 10, 2015. Those in need of shelter from the cold weather conditions may go to either the Capital City Rescue Mission, located at 259 S. Pearl Street, or the Interfaith Partnership for the Homeless Drop-In Center, located at 26 South Swan Street. The Homeless Action Committee will assist with transportation and outreach.

10. Free Community Dinner the last Saturday of every month (January 31) at 5 pm at Third Reformed Church, Ten Eyck & Kate. Bring a canned good for the Food Pantry if you can. They also operate the Olive Branch Thrift Shop every Saturday from 9-2 and Wednesdays from 5-7pm.

11. The Albany Chapter of the Gold Star Mothers presents a red carpet dinner and movie event on Thursday, January 15 to benefit the Delaware Ave Sheehy-Palmer VFW Post and the Chris Kyle Foundation.  The evening begins with dinner, silent auction and 50/50 drawing at Ruby Tuesdays in Crossgates, followed by a special screening of the new movie “American Sniper”, presented by Regal Cinemas. It is the story of Chris Kyle, US Navy SEAL, known as The Legend.  The LaSalle High School Cadets will be the honor guard to escort the Gold Star Mothers Fathers and family members from Ruby Tuesdays to the theater on the red carpet.  There will be several guest speakers. Make your reservations today.
For more information please email  VFW6776@GMAIL.COM or here https://www.facebook.com/events/635358589907471/

12. Passing the Torch Through Arts Educational Theater Festival. This one day family friendly event takes place on February 14 at the Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit, 47 Hurlbut St. http://www.theacca.net/news-and-events/events/197-drunk-with-hope-in-chicago . The day starts with a free musical theater class for young people (middle school age and up) from 1 to 3 pm with Director/Choreographer Andrea Andresakis. At 5 pm, the fascinating "Ladies in Transit" about women in transportation conflicts that led to civil rights victories will be presented. A 45 minute classroom version of "To Kill A Mockingbird" will be presented at 6 pm.  "Hear the Music" an original musical theater tribute to the life of entertainment legend Harry Belafonte will be performed at 7 pm. 845-901-6820 www.Passingthetorchthroughthearts.com

13. Warm up with Yoga. The Yoga Loft offers weekly Sunday morning yoga practices. A donation based class, the proceeds will benefit Mohawk Hudson Humane Society for the month of January. Class meets from 9:30-11am at the Yoga Loft, 540 Delaware Ave. Everyone, experienced or not, is welcome.

Does shivering from the cold count as exercise?

14. Our St. James Food Pantry is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 am to 2 pm. They always need tuna fish, peanut butter and cereal.

15.  There is always so much going on at our nice warm library, 331 Delaware Ave:
* Preschool Story Time each Wednesday at 10:30 am
* Spanish Storytime grades K-3,   Tuesday, January 13 at 10:30 am.
* Delaware Dogs.  Meet therapy dogs on Tuesdays at 4 pm.
* Play & Grow for kids 0-5, Wednesdays, at 11 am.
* Lego Club on Wednesday, January 21 at 4 pm.
* Storytime Science on Thursday, January 22, 4 pm, K to 3rd
 * Purl Jam, knitting club, Saturday, January 17 & 31, at 2:30 pm

Library Hours - 

    Mon: 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm 

    Tue: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
    Wed: 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm 

    Thu - Fri: 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm 

    Sat: 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Get more info at http://www.albanypubliclibrary.org/locations/delaware/   or call 518- 463-0254.

16. Tis the season to be freezin. Get warmer, save money& energy. Sign up for a free home performance energy assessment and learn how to make your home more comfortable, affordable and better for the environment? www.greencapitalregion.org.

17. Snow much fun: Wondering if a snow emergency has been called? Keep this number handy - 476-7669 or 476-SNOW- it will be posted there. Once called we start by parking on the even side of the street. If your car is towed during a snow emergency, call the police at 438-4000.  Be kind to your sidewalk-using neighbors, property owners must clear their sidewalks within 24 hours of the end of a storm. If sidewalks aren't clear, you can shovel them or call 434-2489 with the address. The owner will be fined and DGS will clear the walk.

18. Job Opportunities!
* The Albany Police Department is currently seeking qualified candidates interested in becoming a School Crossing Officer. School Crossing Officers work for short periods in the morning, noon, and afternoon when children are traveling to and from school. School Crossing Officers play a major role in safeguarding the passage of school children across heavily traveled streets. Anyone interested should contact Sergeant James Mahoney at 462-8783.

* Some excellent City Job opportunities. Check for job opportunities here -http://www.albanyny.org/Government/Departments/HumanResources/Employment/JobPostingsEmployment.aspx

* Our libraries are hiring clerks and they’d like them to live in the neighborhoods. http://www.albanypubliclibrary.org/employment/

* The New York Regional Office of the Census bureau is hiring approximately 100 temporary field representatives to work on the American Housing Survey (AHS).
This survey is sponsored by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to collect data on the characteristics of the nation's housing units and households. 
Hiring selections will start as early as winter 2014, and work assignments will go from May through August 2015. Applicants must have a car and valid driver's license, be a U.S. Citizen and pass a written test. Internet access is desirable. They must pass a basic skills test in order to be interviewed and considered for this position. Former Census 2010 employees must reapply and be tested to be considered for these vacancies. Background checks will be conducted as well as reference checks.
To learn more about job requirements and testing sessions in your area send an e-mail with your name, zip code and phone number to new.york.recruit@census.gov
The hourly salary is $12.07 plus $0.56 per mile reimbursement. This is a temporary part-time position.
For inquiries from applicants, send an e-mail to new.york.recruit@census.gov

19. The skating rinks are open!
* The Empire State Plaza rink is open everyday 11-8 pm.
* The city's Swinburne skate rink is is open 7 days a week from Nov. 28 to March 6, 2015* (*weather permitting) 50 cents for kids. $1 for adults. Skate rentals for $2. 438-2406 for info.

20.  Some useful numbers to post near your phone: 

Community Police Officer Kevin Singh 542-1387 
or email Ksingh@albany-NY.org
Community Police Officer Dan Webster 542- 1614 
or email dwebster@albany-ny.org
APD South Station 462-8050
Animal Control - 462-7107
United Tenants - 436-8997
Our Code Enforcement Officer Karen Guastella 414-8986 

City Council Member Cathy Fahey 482-6159 

City Council Member Dorcey Applyrs 894-8981
Our County Legislator Noelle Kinsch 928-1373
NYS Assemblymember John McDonald 455-4474 

Delaware Branch Library 463-0254 

Dept. of General Services 434-2489
Foreclosure prevention services - 434-1730

21. Volunteers are needed to collect/compile our neighborhood's history and do some interviews of long time neighborhood residents.  Can you help?ext Delaware Area Neighborhood Association meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 12 at 7 pm at the Delaware Branch library, 331 Delaware Ave.  It's our annual meeting and we'll learn about a proposal from Solarize Albany to increase solar energy use in our neighborhood.