Last Tuesday evening, the Schenectady County Legislature unanimously approved the purchase of 8.7 acres of real estate in the Town of Rotterdam for parkland and to create a new home for the Rotterdam Little League.
“I am pleased that the County Legislature is able to step forward and use this funding to secure a new home for the Rotterdam Little League,” said County Legislator Judy Dagostino, the sponsor of the resolution. “Hundreds of Rotterdam youth will benefit every year from this investment in our future.”
The purchase of the new site will allow for the relocation of the current ball fields and the development of a 248 unit apartment complex which will bring new tax revenues to the County, Town, and school district. Schenectady County will use special dedicated parks and recreation funds to purchase the land.
County officials have secured an agreement to purchase the property for $260,000, significantly less than the appraised value of $600,000. The difference in value will be donated to the county by the current owner. The Little League will develop the land and build the new baseball fields.
Showing posts with label Improving Quality of Life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Improving Quality of Life. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Legislator Santabarbara Donates to Autism Society
Democratic Schenectady County Legislator Angelo Santabarbara continues his important and very personal work on the issue of autism. At the recent opening of the new location of the Albany Chapter of the Autism Society of America in downtown Schenectady on lower State Street, Santabarbara donated $4,700 raised from his homemade cheese sales. Watch coverage of the ribbon cutting below:
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Chairwoman Savage Introduces Calorie Posting Local Law
Recently, Schenectady County Legislature Chair Susan E. Savage introduced a local law to require chain resturants to post caloric information.
“It’s important that we provide the information necessary for individuals to make smart, educated choices about the food they are eating,” said Susan E. Savage, Chair of the Schenectady County Legislature. “By requiring chain food service establishments to post calorie information on menus and menu boards, we are enabling people to make informed choices”
A January 6, 2010 Stanford Graduate School study found that calorie posting on menu boards does influence consumer behavior. Using data provided by Starbucks, the study found calorie posting led to a 6 percent calorie per transaction decrease. The study also found that calorie posting “did not cause any statistically significant change in Starbucks revenue.”
“Many chain restaurants already make some information available, but most of the time this information is behind a counter and the patron must ask for it,” said Savage. “Recent surveys have shown that patrons are much more likely to reduce their calories per order when they see calorie information at the point of purchase. This legislation will be good for consumers while having little if any impact on the restaurants.”
By enacting this legislation, Schenectady County would join New York City and Albany, Nassau, Suffolk, Ulster and Westchester Counties in requiring menu postings in New York State. Governor Paterson has also proposed State-wide legislation requiring calorie posting in restaurants, supermarkets and convenience stores that belong to large chains.
Watch the press conference below:
“It’s important that we provide the information necessary for individuals to make smart, educated choices about the food they are eating,” said Susan E. Savage, Chair of the Schenectady County Legislature. “By requiring chain food service establishments to post calorie information on menus and menu boards, we are enabling people to make informed choices”
A January 6, 2010 Stanford Graduate School study found that calorie posting on menu boards does influence consumer behavior. Using data provided by Starbucks, the study found calorie posting led to a 6 percent calorie per transaction decrease. The study also found that calorie posting “did not cause any statistically significant change in Starbucks revenue.”
“Many chain restaurants already make some information available, but most of the time this information is behind a counter and the patron must ask for it,” said Savage. “Recent surveys have shown that patrons are much more likely to reduce their calories per order when they see calorie information at the point of purchase. This legislation will be good for consumers while having little if any impact on the restaurants.”
By enacting this legislation, Schenectady County would join New York City and Albany, Nassau, Suffolk, Ulster and Westchester Counties in requiring menu postings in New York State. Governor Paterson has also proposed State-wide legislation requiring calorie posting in restaurants, supermarkets and convenience stores that belong to large chains.
Watch the press conference below:
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Downtown investment continues to pay dividends
Ticket sales for the Broadway show "Wicked" were so overwhelming that the Proctors website was temporarily overwhelmed.
"Proctor’s has been the cornerstone of our economic revitalization effort and has been a catalyst for additional development downtown and throughout Schenectady County,” said Susan E. Savage, Chairwoman of the Schenectady County Legislature.
Democrats on the County Legislature have remained committed to Proctors, supporting grants of $1 million at the start of the project and $450,000 in 2007 to help complete the $30 million renovation project that made it possible for shows like "Phantom of the Opera", which in 2006 had an estimated local economic impact of at least $10 million, and "Wicked" to come to Proctors. Additionally, Proctors receives $200,000 per year through a dedicated arts fund that supports art and cultural programs throughout Schenectady County at no local taxpayer expense.
"Proctor’s has been the cornerstone of our economic revitalization effort and has been a catalyst for additional development downtown and throughout Schenectady County,” said Susan E. Savage, Chairwoman of the Schenectady County Legislature.
Democrats on the County Legislature have remained committed to Proctors, supporting grants of $1 million at the start of the project and $450,000 in 2007 to help complete the $30 million renovation project that made it possible for shows like "Phantom of the Opera", which in 2006 had an estimated local economic impact of at least $10 million, and "Wicked" to come to Proctors. Additionally, Proctors receives $200,000 per year through a dedicated arts fund that supports art and cultural programs throughout Schenectady County at no local taxpayer expense.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Monday, September 14, 2009
County Residents Save $239,000 Using County Prescription Drug Discount Card
Thanks to the strong leadership of the Democratic Majority on the County Legislature and Chair Susan E. Savage, in five short months Schenectady County residents have saved $239,000 have been filed using the Schenectady County Prescription Drug Discount Card.
“Schenectady County residents are receiving an average 36 percent discount on their prescriptions. Every little bit can help during these difficult economic times,” said Chair Savage. “This program is a great success and I look forward to the drug discount card bringing additional savings to Schenectady County families.”
“Schenectady County residents are receiving an average 36 percent discount on their prescriptions. Every little bit can help during these difficult economic times,” said Chair Savage. “This program is a great success and I look forward to the drug discount card bringing additional savings to Schenectady County families.”
Thursday, September 10, 2009
President Barack Obama's Speech on Healthcare
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
Friday, July 17, 2009
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
History and Heritage in Schenectady
Check out this video of some of the great sites of interest in Schenectady County.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Schenectady County receives $1.7 million in Federal stimulus funding to finish bike/hike trail
Schenectady County will receive $1.7 million in Federal stimulus money from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to connect the entire County for the first time ever via the Mohawk–Hudson Bike/Hike Trail.
“I want to thank Governor Paterson for providing this important funding through the Federal stimulus plan to help us complete a bike and hike trail through Schenectady County,” said Schenectady County Legislature Chair Susan E. Savage. “The bike-hike trail has been a priority of mine and we’ve consistently worked to improve the trail for the enjoyment of all Schenectady County residents. Today’s announcement of grant funding allows us to complete the trail at no cost to County taxpayers.”
Many prospective homeowners, and even some corporations, target communities based on quality of life improvements. The bike trail is one of the great assets that Schenectady County has in selling itself and this project will help enhance that.
For more information on the project and a map of the improvements, click here.
“I want to thank Governor Paterson for providing this important funding through the Federal stimulus plan to help us complete a bike and hike trail through Schenectady County,” said Schenectady County Legislature Chair Susan E. Savage. “The bike-hike trail has been a priority of mine and we’ve consistently worked to improve the trail for the enjoyment of all Schenectady County residents. Today’s announcement of grant funding allows us to complete the trail at no cost to County taxpayers.”
Many prospective homeowners, and even some corporations, target communities based on quality of life improvements. The bike trail is one of the great assets that Schenectady County has in selling itself and this project will help enhance that.
For more information on the project and a map of the improvements, click here.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Gillibrand releases plan to make child care affordable, accessible
According to a new report released by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, the cost of child care in the Capital Region is increasing $770 per year. Now the average family spends approximately $9,796 per year for an infant, $8,918 for a toddler and $8,179 for a school-age child. In response to the growing costs, Senator Gillibrand recently proposed plan to make child care more affordable for working families.
"In this difficult economy, parents cannot afford the rising cost of child care. Families' incomes are just not keeping pace," Senator Gillibrand said. "I speak with parents all over New York State, who tell me that something must be done. In addition to making child care more affordable for parents who work and go to school, my plan will provide special assistance to businesses that help their employees with the tremendous costs."
Click here to read the Senator's plan.
"In this difficult economy, parents cannot afford the rising cost of child care. Families' incomes are just not keeping pace," Senator Gillibrand said. "I speak with parents all over New York State, who tell me that something must be done. In addition to making child care more affordable for parents who work and go to school, my plan will provide special assistance to businesses that help their employees with the tremendous costs."
Click here to read the Senator's plan.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Schenectady County receives stimulus money for infrastructure
Schenectady County will receive $1.9 million in federal stimulus money to repair 6.5 miles of County roads thanks to the continuing investment of the federal stimulus package. “I want to thank Governor Paterson for providing this important funding through the Federal stimulus plan,” said Susan E. Savage, Chairwoman of the Schenectady County Legislature. “The investment in these projects will put people to work in these tough economic times and provide safe roadways for our residents.”
The stimulus legislation was passed with the help of Congressman Paul Tonko, and Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Charles Schumer and signed by President Barack Obama. New York has been one of the most successful states in the nation in getting the federal stimulus money out the door and into the economy.
For more information on this investment in Schenectady County, click here.
The stimulus legislation was passed with the help of Congressman Paul Tonko, and Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Charles Schumer and signed by President Barack Obama. New York has been one of the most successful states in the nation in getting the federal stimulus money out the door and into the economy.
For more information on this investment in Schenectady County, click here.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
County Democrats create new park
Schenectady County Democrats have taken the first step toward one of the largest parkland creations in County history by calling for a public hearing on a local law to set aside approximately 24 acres of County-owned property in Niskayuna for parkland.
Click here for more information.
Click here for more information.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Democrats on County Legislature sponsor prescription drug discount program
This week, residents of Schenectady County will be receiving prescription drug discount cards thanks to an innovation program sponsored by Democratic County Legislators Susan E. Savage, Dr. Brian Gordon, and Martin Finn.
“Schenectady County continues to find new ways to save our residents money,” said Chair Savage. “The ProAct prescription drug card has a proven track record of helping families by making prescription drugs more affordable. Most importantly, the card is provided at no cost to County residents or taxpayers.”
Depending on the medication and the brand, the cards will provide users with savings between 10 to 50 percent, with no enrollment forms to fill out, no membership fees, and no income requirements. While the program will be most beneficial to residents lacking prescription drug insurance and seniors paying out-of-pocket expenses for the Medicare Part D coverage gap, all county residents would be eligible to participate. The card can also be used for discounts on medication for your pets. Click here, here, here, and here for more news coverage.
“Schenectady County continues to find new ways to save our residents money,” said Chair Savage. “The ProAct prescription drug card has a proven track record of helping families by making prescription drugs more affordable. Most importantly, the card is provided at no cost to County residents or taxpayers.”
Depending on the medication and the brand, the cards will provide users with savings between 10 to 50 percent, with no enrollment forms to fill out, no membership fees, and no income requirements. While the program will be most beneficial to residents lacking prescription drug insurance and seniors paying out-of-pocket expenses for the Medicare Part D coverage gap, all county residents would be eligible to participate. The card can also be used for discounts on medication for your pets. Click here, here, here, and here for more news coverage.
Niskayuna Democrats support indoor recreation plan
The Niskayuna Town Board unanimously passed a resolution sponsored by Democratic Councilwoman Julie McDonnell “supporting the efforts of certain organizations to construct a multi-purpose recreational and sports facility in the Town of Niskayuna.” This resolution is an important step forward for plans for a new indoor recreation facility in Niskayuna which will allow year-round sports opportunities to local youths. “I am very pleased to sponsor this resolution tonight that promises a project that will serve as many as 500 children in Niskayuna,” said McDonnell. Supervisor Joe Landry, Councilwoman Julie McDonnell, and Councilwoman Liz Kasper have led an important effort to improve town recreation and youth programs and this shows their continuing support for such programs.Click here for more news coverage.
County Democrats seek bike trail funds
County Legislator Gary Hughes worked with the Capital District Transportation Committee on a proposal for a $1.5 million allocation of stimulus funding to complete the Schenectady County Bike trail. This important project is part of Schenectady County Democrats' efforts to work on quality of life issues. Many prospective homeowners, and even some corporations, target communities based on quality of life improvements. The bike trail is one of the great assets that Schenectady County has in selling itself and this project will help enhance that. When completed, the trail will now run from the Montgomery County line to the Albany County line, allowing access from many communities within the county. This project is in addition to the $628,000 grant County Democrats obtained for an urban bikeway between two city parks with the Mohawk Hudson Bike-Hike Trail.
Click here for more news coverage.
Read the Daily Gazette's Editorial praising County Democrats' efforts.
Click here for more news coverage.
Read the Daily Gazette's Editorial praising County Democrats' efforts.
Schenectady County, Niskayuna, Glenville recognized by the Capital Region Tobacco-Free Coalition
In March of 2008, Schenectady County Legislator Dr. Brian Gordon sponsored a resolution encouraging retailers to reduce overall tobacco advertising in their place of business and to eliminate tobacco advertising from areas likely to be seen by children, such as wall space below five feet, near candy displays, and on counter tops. The County Legislature unanimously adopted this resolution. This past Tuesday night, Schenectady County was among the communities recognized by the Capital District Tobacco-Free Coalition for its work to prevent tobacco use by children.
Niskayuna was given the Community Champion Award for its adoption of the Capital Region's strongest smoking ban for parks.
"Our smoke-free parks law encourages a healthy lifestyle for our residents, especially our children," said Supervisor Joseph Landry. "Our parks are designed for healthy activities such as walking, running, bicycling, or participating in sporting events, and they should be tobacco-free."
Niskayuna also passed two other resolutions encouraging local retailers to reduce or eliminate tobacco advertising in their stores and endorsing the elimination of smoking in movies with G, PG and PG-13 ratings.
These efforts are part of the County Democrats effort to make Schenectady County a beautiful and healthy place to live, work, and raise our families.Click here for more news coverage.
Niskayuna was given the Community Champion Award for its adoption of the Capital Region's strongest smoking ban for parks.
"Our smoke-free parks law encourages a healthy lifestyle for our residents, especially our children," said Supervisor Joseph Landry. "Our parks are designed for healthy activities such as walking, running, bicycling, or participating in sporting events, and they should be tobacco-free."
Niskayuna also passed two other resolutions encouraging local retailers to reduce or eliminate tobacco advertising in their stores and endorsing the elimination of smoking in movies with G, PG and PG-13 ratings.
These efforts are part of the County Democrats effort to make Schenectady County a beautiful and healthy place to live, work, and raise our families.Click here for more news coverage.
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