Troy -- and the THCA -- asking you to report potholes

 

Have you seen potholes as you've traveled around Troy? Most of us have, especially when we have bounced into one or two and wondered if your tires were going to collapse.

Well, welcome to "Operation Pothole," part of the City's post-winter quality-of-life program.

City workers already have begun patching potholes and road crevices to canvass streets and alleys to locate potholes and cracks caused by the harsh winter weather, according to Mayor Carmella Mantello's office that also says "For the next month, Quality-of-Life Action Crews will be working daily, removing debris and filling problem areas with hot asphalt to ensure safer roadways."

Also says the mayor, “We are taking a proactive, aggressive approach -- street by street and alley by alley -- to address potholes across Troy.”

Even though that is the City's focus, Terrace residents no doubt have noticed the deterioration of the crumbling  roads leading into our community -- a status your THCA Board repeatedly has brought to the administration's attention and asked for repairs.

"Residents are encouraged to report potholes through the City of Troy website," says the mayor. "While repairs may not be immediate, Operation Pothole is committed to addressing every issue to improve Troy’s roads."

While The Terrace Times remains apolitical, it does encourage working on behalf of our community. To report/request work on the crumbling city-owned streets on the Terrace -- specifically Hyland Drive and Hyland Circle -- please visit the City's online spot to report our road problems.

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Go here for the Terrace Times events calendar.

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Free bulk trash drop-off for Troy residents

The City of Troy is resuming its free bulk trash drop-off program for city residents, a program that began last year.

“For too many years, residents were feeling the strain on their finances of having to pay for bulk trash drop-offs," said Mayor Carmella Mantello. "This led to an increase in illegal dumping of mattresses, couches, and other items along our streets and alleyways. I am proud to continue this ... service, so our residents are not burdened by disposal fees and our streets remain safe and clean.” 

The weather-dependent service will occur this Saturday as well as on Friday, April 11, and Saturday, May 3, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Troy Resource Management Facility, commonly known as The Alamo, located at 3000 Main Street. Residents must provide proof of Troy residency to participate. 

Bulk items are described as oversized items such as:

• furniture

• appliances

• carpets

• tires

• television sets

• mattresses

Items not accepted: 

• hazardous waste

• electronics

• construction materials 

• no trailer loads

• industrial waste

• medical waste

• sludge, household

• batteries

• used oil/filter

• gas

• kerosene

• fuel oil ashes

For more information, residents can contact the City’s Department of Public Works at 518-270-4579 or visit the city’s website.

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Go here for the Terrace Times events calendar.

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A sure sign of Spring arriving

Steven Sanders, who handles communications snow removal efforts with Skyview Landscapes, had this Friday update for Terrace residents:

"Spring arrived yesterday, although you’d never know it today (Saturday). However, the real start of Spring is when the snow poles come down along the Terrace. We all know that the end of March-beginning of April can be iffy. If the temperature forecast holds up, I expect to remove the poles on or about April 10. Then the beauty of our environs will begin to shine once again. So, fingers crossed."

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Go here for the Terrace Times events calendar.

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Congress-Ferry Street Project approved

If you've ever had concerns about the structural integrity of the Congress Street overpass as the western approach to to downtown Troy, take heart.

Mayor Carmella Mantello's administration has approved project designs for the Congress and Ferry Street Project, an infrastructure initiative it says is "aimed at improving accessibility, connectivity, and economic vitality in the City of Troy."

The approved design features a 12-foot travel lane, a 10-foot parking lane, a three-foot buffer space, and an eight-foot biking lane. 

Says Mantello's office, "These enhancements will significantly improve mobility for all residents, including cyclists and pedestrians, while fostering a more vibrant and connected waterfront area. “This project is about connecting our waterfront, revitalizing our neighborhoods, and making this area truly walkable.”

The Ferry Street tunnel, which runs underneath the Russell Sage College campus, dripping water on a regular basis, will undergo improvements. 

"Decades of deterioration caused by inadequate waterproofing have taken a toll on the tunnel’s structure," the mayor's office said. 

Planned enhancements include new lighting, comprehensive waterproofing, and noise reduction measures, making the tunnel safer and more inviting for pedestrians and cyclists. 

Construction on the Congress and Ferry Street Project is expected to begin early next year.

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Go here for the Terrace Times events calendar.

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Spring bulk trash drop-off returning

The City of Troy has announced the return of the free bulk trash drop-off program that will allow residents to dispose of household items as traditional spring cleaning begins. 

The weather-dependent drop-off service will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 29, through Friday, April 11, and on Saturday, May 3, at the Troy Resource Management Facility, commonly known as the Alamo, at 3000 Main Street. 

According to the City, participating residents must provide proof of residency to participate. 

Items not accepted: Hazardous waste, electronics, or construction materials No trailer loads will be accepted. Bulk items are oversized items such as furniture, appliances, carpets, tires, TV sets, and mattresses. 

For more information, residents can contact the Department of Public Works at 518-270-4579 or go online.

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Go here for the Terrace Times events calendar.

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It's that time of year again

 

Just when you thought you had enough on your "to do" list, that semi-annual clock-changing thing pops up.

Tonight is the night to "spring forward" before you hit the sack. Turning your clocks ahead one hour at bedtime will have you operating on time when you get up tomorrow, even though the official switch from Eastern Standard Time to Daylight Saving (no "s," please) Time comes at 2 a.m. and will last until November 2.

Every year, it seems, a debate arises over whether we should keep DST or get rid of it. But, changing clocks has been around ever since there have been clocks.

The website timeanddate.com tells us:

"While Germany and Austria were the first countries to use DST, in 1916, it is a little-known fact that a few hundred Canadians beat the German empire by eight years. On July 1, 1908, the residents of Port Arthur, Ontario -- today's Thunder Bay -- turned their clocks forward by one hour to start the world's first DST period. Other locations in Canada soon followed suit. ...

"Daylight Saving Time is now used in over 70 countries worldwide and affects over one billion people every year. The beginning and end dates vary from one country to another. ..."

The above-mentioned website has all sorts of interesting items about DST, the debate over keep/lose it, how it came about, etc. Happy reading!

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Go here for the Terrace Times events calendar.

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In memoriam: Donna Williams

Donna M. Williams

Donna Williams, an original Terrace resident who moved to be with family last year, has died. Her official obituary as published on Legacy.com:

Donna M. Powell Williams, 81, of Ft. Ann and formerly of 10 Hyland Circle (Terrace at Highpointe) in Troy, beloved wife of the late Thomas C. Williams, peacefully entered into eternal life in the loving care of her son Jeffrey at his home on Sunday, February 23. 

Born in Troy, she was the daughter of the late William and Lucy Delcogliano Powell and was a graduate of Troy High School and SUNY Utica where she earned her master's degree in nursing. Donna was a proud and dedicated nurse for 50 years, having been employed at St. Mary's Hospital in Troy until she was transferred to Samaritan Hospital in Troy where she retired as the patient care coordinator. There was nothing more that Donna loved than being a nurse. 

Devoted mother of Jeffrey T.  Williams (fiancé Cherie Benham), cherished grandmother of Connor Williams, Ryan Williams, Owen Williams and Hayden Benham, also survived by several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her siblings. 

Spring interment will be held in the Poultney Cemetery, Poultney, VT. Donna's family would like to express their special and sincere appreciation to High Peaks Hospice for all of their care and guidance. Those desiring, may make memorial contributions to High Peaks Hospice, 1247 Dix Avenue, Hudson Falls, NY 12839, in memory of Donna M. Williams. 

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