MAYOR’S MESSAGE
2013 End of the Year Review

As we say good-bye to 2013 and welcome 2014, I wanted to take this opportunity to write an end of the year review of events from the past year. Things were very busy and productive in Menands in 2013.

Economic Development
Being centrally located in the Capital District and just minutes from major highways, businesses realize that Menands is a great place to call home and appreciate the potential for future development here. There were many exciting openings, renovations, expansions and upgrades in our business community in 2013:

• Albany Truck Sales completed their new service facility allowing for expansion of their business
• GCR Tires finished the new addition to their existing building to improve and expand service to customers
• B & B Auto Sales opened for business after a full remodel of the former Hess Gas Station
• Rite Aid underwent a major remodeling and upgrade to expand inventory
• Tuscan Pizza renovated and expanded their store allowing for additional seating and installation of a new salad bar
• M. M. Hayes Co. completed renovations and expansion of their office space providing new working area for additional employees
• Menands Discount Liquor and Wine store opened for business on December 13, 2013
• The Village wrote a letter of support for the Capital District Farmers Market in Menands for a grant from NYS to help finance extensive renovations and replacement of buildings on their property. Received word before printing this message that NYS Regional Economic Development Council awarded the Farmers Market $100,000 for projects at the Market.
• The Capital District Transportation Committee, of which Menands is a member, initiated a study of I-787 known as the Living Corridor Planning Initiative. The $240,000 project will explore ways of improving access and use of the Corridor
• The Broadway Corridor was re-zoned in an effort to encourage the development of a pedestrian friendly environment and enhance economic development in Menands
• The Village Board reduced building department fees for commercial rehabilitation projects.
• There was an increase in permits issued from 105 in 2012 to 113 in 2013. This is a trend in the right direction.
• Following a complete makeover, the Menands Burger King opened for business on
November 24, 2013
• In October the Harmony Group began the process of rehabilitating the historic Albany International Property site. The renovations will provide retail space on the first floor and residential apartments on the upper floors. The twelve acre site is a jewel in Menands and one of the most famous landmarks in the Capital District.
• On December 20, 2013 the Ideal Food Basket store opened for business in Mid-City Shopping Center providing an additional option for food shopping in Menands
• The Broadway Diner re-opened for business on December 23, 2013 and will be serving breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week.

In addition to the development of these businesses, Menands has also received recognition for our Grow Menands initiative. This program was created and spearheaded by our Economic Development Director Bill Giering, in an effort to have property owners improve the appearance of the Village by planting flowers and shrubs on their properties. In October, I accepted a Certificate of Recognition on behalf of the Village from Albany County Executive Dan McCoy for the Grow Menands program. On January 23, 2014 I will accept another award from the Colonie Chamber of Commerce who selected Menands for a community improvement award for the Grow Menands program. This award recognizes the “Curb Appeal” that the program fosters in an effort to further economic development in Menands. The Village continues to do our part in this effort with the seasonal hanging baskets, flower pots, banners and kissing balls along Broadway, and new this past year was the Fall Display which received many compliments.

Beautification
Our Village Gardener, Dianne MacFarland, did another outstanding job with beautification efforts around Menands. With help from the DPW, Dianne maintains and waters the flower beds and hanging plants around the Village. Having worked 284 hours in 2013, her efforts are obvious. Dianne takes great pride in her job and is grateful for the help she receives. In addition to the DPW and Tim Boyd, Dianne received help from Bill and Barbara Giering and the Menands Farmers Market with the fall display and Jim Long for his display of holiday greens and red ribbons on the stone pots. The Village is very appreciative of Dianne and others for their commitment in making Menands not only a great place to live but a beautiful one as well.

Infrastructure
In 2013, we saw completion of two infrastructure projects, including S. Lyons area and the Sage Hill/Sky Hollow sections of the Village. There is more work to be done and realizing the financial hardships many face, the Village Board makes every effort to support these projects with the least impact on our residents and businesses, while improving our sewer and water system
.
Community
Living in a community where neighbors look out for each other and people are always willing to give to those less fortunate, I am so proud of the various activities that take place each year in Menands to help others. The following is a sample list of events from 2013:

• The Annual Fall Festival in support of Derek Murphy
• The Fill the Mayflower food drive to support our local food pantries
• Auxiliary Breakfast in support of the Humane Society & Rockaway Fire Dept.
• REACH Workcamp to repair homes of those unable to
• A-Town Rumble to benefit Juvenile Diabetes
• Bethany Church made prayer shawls for the community of Sandy Hook, Ct and others
• Menands PBA & Hudson Shores Rotary continue support of community projects and events
• Our Business Community continued to support various events throughout the year

Community events included:
• Summer concerts in the park
• Annual Village Picnic
• Military Concert featuring 42nd Infantry Division Band in honor of our fallen hero’s.
• Military Parade/Picnic to support the men and women of our armed forces.
(A very special thank you to the members of the parade committee for a job well done with this event and to Don Handerhan for stepping in for me last minute as I was called out of town.)
• Annual Father/Daughter Dance

Menands School
Communication between the Village and Menands School continued to discuss the role the Village could play to provide the best possible safety measures in the event of an emergency. Chief O’Brien continues to work with Superintendent Maureen Long to ensure a quick response and coordinated effort with the school. Through Chief O’Brien’s department, a crossing guard was hired and trained to improve safety of those crossing near the entrance to school. Also, with the help from our DPW, Wards Lane was re-stripped and a new crossing sign was placed near the entrance.

Another great community effort was the building of a new school playground. In November I had the privilege of joining many other members of the school and Village communities, in building the playground. This will provide a wonderful play space for years to come.

The Menands School PTA hosted various events throughout the year to support the needs of the students.

The Menands Public Library continued reading programs throughout the year, as well as film festivals, ice cream social, story time and other events. Year round activities are available for all ages.

Menands Fire Dept.
The Menands Fire Dept. responded to 222 calls in 2013 including:
• Fire Alarms 53
• Mutual Aide Calls 28
• EMS Calls 49
• Motor Vehicle Accidents 19
• Structure Fires 16
This is just a portion of the full list of calls the MFD responded to with an all volunteer membership. New members are always welcome and needed.

Menands Fire Dept. Auxiliary
The main purpose of the Auxiliary is to render assistance upon request of the Menands Fire Co. #1, Inc.
• The number of assists for 2013 was 2 (which is very fortunate)
The Auxiliary is also looking for new members.

Menands Police Dept.:
• Calls for service 7,687
• Property Check 10,749
• Miles Traveled 151,140
• Criminal Arrests 253
• Traffic Tickets Issued 1,381
• MV Accidents Investigated 147

DPW:
As we work towards returning to a paving schedule, in 2013 the following streets were paved:
• N. and S. Sage Hill Lane entrance
• Pateman Circle
• Myton Lane
• Graffunder Drive
• Ruso Drive
• Lower Sage Hill Lane
• Dennin Drive
• Norwood Drive
• Ball Court
• Hendrick Avenue
Additionally:
• The DPW replaced a major piece of piping at the Water Departments main pump station
• Sent a camera through and cleaned the Village’s main trunk sewer line

• NY Lead Detection service checked for leaks in the Village water system. Many leaks were discovered and repaired.

The DPW is awaiting delivery of a new garbage truck. This truck will replace the 1987 truck. Also on order is a new leaf machine. Fortunately this year leaf pick-up went fairly smoothly, (with no break-down of equipment, weather cooperating, etc.). The new equipment should further improve this process.

Youth:
Following another fun-filled and successful year of holiday parties, Village events and the summer programs, congratulations go out to Menands Youth Director Brianna Coughlin and her husband Dave on the birth of their daughter Hadley on December 4, 2013.

The Menands Jr. Baseball & Softball League was the recipient of a field make over sponsored by the Tri-City Valley Cats and Blue Shield of Northeastern NY. The upgrades provided a safer environment for the players. When the lights and home run fence go up, there is no better place to be than the Menands Park for a night game.

The Ski Program, Youth Soccer and CYO Basketball programs all had another successful season. Watch for information on the upcoming seasons.

Historian
Village Historian Kevin Franklin served as the official photographer of the Village and continues to explore the history of Menands. He is full of knowledge and always willing to share his knowledge.

Seniors
The Menands Seniors enjoyed many new trips in 2013 and continue to meet on Thursday’s from 10 – 2. They have a lot of fun on their trips, at parties, etc. and new members are always welcome.
Things to watch for in 2014:
• I look forward to continuing tours of businesses in Menands. It is one of my favorite parts of this job. We have so many amazing businesses and to meet the employees and learn about the history of the facility is awesome.
• The development of Albany International will continue in 2014. Once completed this will be a huge lift for Menands.
• Expansion of Dutch Village Apts. is also on course for 2014.
• To continue improvements to our infrastructure additional projects are being discussed.

The Village of Menands will be celebrating its 90th anniversary in 2014. Details of activities to commemorate this event will be posted in the newsletter and on our website.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the employees of the Village for their hard work and dedication. Without their efforts these accomplishments would not have been possible. I look forward to continued progress in 2014 and beyond.

To the residents, I wish you and yours a healthy and happy new year.

Until next time.
Mayor Meg