Wednesday April 24, 2024 
Schodack Supervisor Charles Peter’s Report for January 2022
Hello and Happy New year, albeit a month old already. For those of you who aren’t familiar with me, my name is Charles Peter and after serving as a Rensselaer County Legislator for the previous three and a half years I accepted a nomination to run for Schodack Town Supervisor and was successful in this past November’s elections. I’m a lifelong Schodack resident and grew up on my family’s farm located on Brookview Road just outside the village of Castleton. I still live on the farm along with my wife, Cathleen, and our two daughters, Emma and Lily. I look forward to sharing with you each month updates and news regarding Schodack and your town government.
Promoting commercial development in Schodack is a key piece to my agenda and I am fortunate County Executive McLaughlin shares this goal. We are currently in the midst of working out a water and sewer infrastructure expansion that will help bring development down Route 9 and contribute to our tax base. This is welcomed news for all our taxpayers, but especially those in the Schodack Central Schools side of town. We are still working out some of the details on these projects and I hope to have more news to share in the coming months.
As a father of young kids, I understand the importance of finding local and affordable activates for our youth to enjoy. Visits to our Town Park and various playgrounds became a regular part of our life, especially during COVID. I’m happy to share we will entering into a shared services agreement with Rensselaer County to expand parks access here in Schodack. Additionally, I have proposed a “Movies in the Park” series similar to our popular “Music in The Park” to provide a chance for families to get out, visit with each other, and enjoy a movie together in our beautiful town park.
There is a lot more news and ideas to share than I can fit here and I encourage you all to follow my Facebook page, Town of Schodack Supervisor Charles Peter, for the latest info.
Supervisor Charles Peter
News from the Sand Lake Town Clerk
It’s certainly been a cold, cold winter so far. Anyone needing assistance with heating issues can apply to the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). Please call Rensselaer County Department of Social Services 518-266-7960 or Department of Aging 518-270-2730. After hours or emergencies should contact 518-283-2000.
The Military Banner Program is up and running. Applications can be found on the Town’s website: townofsandlake.us, or call me for assistance. I will need the completed application form, a check for $225. 00 and a photo which I can scan at my office. The deadline to submit is March 31st.
We are processing passports and passport photos. We ask that you call ahead of time for an appointment. Currently the turn around time is 8- 10 weeks, which can be expedited for an additional fee. Also, if your passport is going to expire do not hesitate to renew. I’s best to renew it 6 months prior to its expiration, especially if you plan to travel abroad.
Kiwanis is also hosting its 3rd Annual Ice Fishing Tournament on Burden Lake February 12th. Registration is bright and early 5:00am – 11:00 am in Kay’s Pizza parking lot. Entry fees: Adults $15.00 and Kids 15 and under free. Prizes in both adult and kids categories. Call Councilman Wayne Gendron with questions: 518-698-9623.
Just a reminder that the Town of Sand Lake has a public Charging Station for electric vehicles at Town Hall, 8428 Miller Hill Road, Sand Lake.
Stay warm and safe.
Barbara Hansen, Town Clerk 518-674-2026 Ext. 122
Rensselaer County Legislature Chairwoman Kelly Hoffman Announces $8.7M NYS Grant Award
Chairwoman of the Legislature Kelly Hoffman is proud to announce that the Rensselaer County Sewer District has been awarded a NYS Water Quality Improvement Program (WQIP) of $8,731,000. The funding will be used to make major infrastructure upgrades at the plant that have been in the planning stages for some time.
“These improvements will replace old and obsolete equipment that will save energy, increase capacity, and help to keep overflow of storm water and waste out of the Hudson River”, said Vice Chair Bob Loveridge.
The WQIP funding was part of Round XI of the Regional Economic Development Council Awards Funding of $272 million for 179 projects to update aging water infrastructure, combat harmful algal blooms, protect drinking water, and prevent potential contamination.
The wastewater treatment plant was built in 1974, and has had over $80 million in improvements over the last 15 years to improve efficiency and comply with changing NYS regulations.
The treatment plant operates several large outdoor aeration tanks with large electrical motors that operate 24/7. These motors are original to the plant and have been repaired many times, but parts are no longer available. They will be replaced with new efficient motors sourced from New York State and the unused aeration tanks will be converted to store combined sewer overflow for treatment, rather than bypassing treatment and discharging it into the Hudson River.
“The around the clock operation of our wastewater treatment plant is a critical function of our County. Mechanical failures or power failures could adversely impact our treatment process and our responsibility to keep waste out of the Hudson River. We have put together a great plan to improve the plant operation and install a new backup generator that will power the entire plant in the event of a power failure. We are thrilled that New York State, and Governor Hochul, have awarded the Legislature this major grant for our important project”, added Hoffman
Congresswoman Elise Stefanik Statement on New District Lines for New York’s 21st Congressional District
Washington – Today, House Republican Conference Chair Congresswoman Elise Stefanik released a statement on the New York State Legislature passing new district lines, which expanded New York’s 21st congressional district into Montgomery, Rensselaer, Schoharie, Oneida, Oswego, and Otsego Counties and removed parts of Saratoga, Warren, and Jefferson Counties. The newly configured district will include all or parts of 18 counties.
Congresswoman Elise Stefanik stated:
“Albany Democrats illegally gerrymandered New York’s representation in Congress and the State Senate for the next decade. Look no further than Jerry Nadler’s absurdly gerrymandered district.
From the start, Albany Democrats torpedoed this process with partisan tactics and corrupt back-room deals to silence the will of voters, and as a result, New York has gerrymandered congressional lines that hurt all New Yorkers – specifically the North Country.
Albany Democrats will rightfully face lawsuits as everyday New Yorkers challenge these egregious, unfair, and unconstitutional lines that separate various communities of interest in order to benefit Democrat elected officials – including dividing Jefferson County and carving Glens Falls and Queensbury out of Warren County.
While I’m deeply disappointed that I will no longer be serving as the Congressional Representative for many of our communities in Warren, Saratoga, and Jefferson Counties that I have worked tirelessly for, I look forward to earning the support to represent the hardworking families, small businesses, farmers, veterans, and seniors in Montgomery, Rensselaer, Schoharie, Oneida, Oswego, and Otsego Counties and continuing to deliver real results to these communities.
I still represent Fort Drum, and as a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, I will always be the strongest voice for the North Country and for Fort Drum’s service members and families as Fort Drum is the lifeblood of our entire North Country economy and culture. As the North Country deeply understands, Fort Drum’s impact is regional, statewide, national, and international.”
The expanded NY-21 district voted for President Trump by 19% in 2020, nearly doubling the margin in the prior NY-21, and voted for the GOP gubernatorial candidate in 2018 by 30%. Congresswoman Stefanik has been re-elected by historic margins every single election cycle despite millions of dollars spent against her. The new seat has been described in multiple media outlets as a “GOP Super Seat.”
Elise Stefanik Endorses Claudia Tenney For Southern Tier Congressional Seat
WASHINGTON – The third-ranking Republican in the House – Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York’s North Country – last Friday endorsed Rep. Claudia Tenney in her race for New York’s newly gerrymandered 23rd Congressional District.
“I’ve worked closely with Claudia and seen firsthand how she stands up for our veterans, military families, farmers, our law enforcement, manufacturers and small businesses,” said Stefanik, who chairs the House Republican Conference. “Hardworking families in the 23rd District will be lucky to have her fighting for them.
Re. Tenney, who currently represents a Central New York district that includes Utica, said: “Elise is on the front line of the fight to elect Republican women to Congress and fire Nancy Pelosi next year. I am grateful for her continued support and excited to continue delivering real results for New Yorkers in Congress next year.”
Tenney announced her plans to run in the Southern Tier district after Democrats in Albany eliminated her current district as they shrink the number of representatives in the state from 27 to 26. Both chambers of the State Legislature approved that redistricting plan last Wednesday, but it still must withstand a court challenge.
Important Town Of Nassau Tax Collection Information!
Please take notice that the Tax Collector with the Town of Nassau will no longer be accepting in person payments starting February 1, 2022. If you MUST pay your tax bill in person please call 518-766-2343 option 8 and leave a message to make an appointment. PAYMENTS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AT THE TOWN CLERKS OFFICE.
Taxes without penalty were due postmarked on or before January 31, 2022. Payments made February 1 through February 28, 2022 are subject to a 2% penalty as outlined in the payment schedule on your bill.
Best Luther Fire District Public Notice
WEST SAND LAKE – PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the regular meetings of the Best-Luther Fire District will be held on the First Thursday of the month for the 2022 year, held at 7:00 p.m. at the Best-Luther Firehouse, located at 303 Old Best Road, W. Sand Lake, NY 12196. The location and time of the meeting may be changed by further resolution of the Board of Fire Commissioners upon proper notification to the local media of such change.Best-Luther Fire District, 303 Old Best Road, West Sand Lake NY, 12196. Phone/Fax: 518-283-5641. blfdfiredistrict@nullgmail.com
Nassau Launches Brook Naming Contest
NASSAU – The Town of Nassau has outlined plans for the Town’s newest park. Under the preliminary proposal, announced by Supervisor David Fleming, the Town’s multiple purpose 22-acre parcel, located on US Route 20 between the Village of Nassau and Lyons Lake Road, would be opened to walking trails. A significant feature of the parcel is a small brook and wetlands. The Town Board authorized a naming contest for the unnamed brook which may lead to the naming designation for the new town park.
Through partnerships, the work of other nonprofits, and community volunteers, Nassau has gone from no public preserves and open public land to six public preserves that provide access to diverse natural beauty across the town. These preserves have become popular destinations in the area and have helped draw day trippers to Nassau.
With this new park under development, Nassau will now have over 650 acres public acres of varying terrain to explore. All the parcels have been developed with volunteer assistance, grants and donations.
The next step in the development process, according to the Nassau Town Board, is to engage residents of all ages to participate in the brook naming contest for this new park. The focal point of the proposed area is a now nameless brook that runs through the 22-acre parcel. Local students and families are being asked to participate in this contest. The Board is looking to designate a name that focuses on Nassau’s local history or natural resources. The Board has also suggested names that recognize the indigenous peoples of the area to local heroes of the Civil War and the Anti-Rent War.
Submissions are encouraged to supervisor@nulltownofnassau.org. The Town is expecting to make a selection for the name of the brook and possibly the new park, at their March 10, 2022 meeting.