Looking Forward in District 4
Being a part of the City of Troy has always been a rewarding and enriching experience. From my tenure on the planning commission to my time as City Engineer, and now as Councilman representing District 4, it has been an honor and a privilege to be a part of this community’s upward momentum.
Council terms are two years long, and having given the issue much consideration, I have made the decision not to run for reelection. While I remain committed to being an engaged citizen, I have decided to refocus my efforts to other initiatives which support the community.
In this year’s race, Noreen McKee has been endorsed by both the Democrats and Working Families Party for the District 4 seat. A former president of the Justice Center of Rensselaer County and board member of the League of Women Voters, Noreen was instrumental in bringing early voting to Troy to provide equal access to minorities and low income folks living in the downtown area. She was an outspoken critic of the attempted closure of the Burdett Birth Center, testifying before the NY attorney general to keep this vital community service operating. Further, Noreen has a strong background in accounting, operations, and fiscal management - skills that would benefit the next Council immensely to act as a check to the current administration.
Whomever you decide to support in this year’s race, the entire process depends on you - the voter - to participate. If you would like to register to vote or see important dates on the election calendar,, please visit the Rensselaer County Board of Elections. To check your registration status, click here.
March Office Hours
Office hours for March will be held on Saturday, March 22 from 11am-1pm at Oregano Thyme (464 Broadway). This month I will be joined by Noreen McKee so please stop by to introduce yourself, chat about neighborhood improvements, or any other issues you might have.
You can always reach me via email at aaron.vera@troyny.gov.
2025 Legislative Address
As a follow-up to Mayor Mantello’s State of the City Address, City Council President Sue Steele will be presenting her legislative address on Thursday, March 6 at 7 pm* in Council Chambers (433 River St, 5th Floor.) This address lays out the priorities of the Council for the coming year. The address will be live-streamed on YouTube and can be viewed here.
*Please note that owing to the preceding Finance Meeting, the address may begin after 7 pm.
Troy Savings Bank Grant Program
Have a project or program idea to benefit the community? The Troy Savings Bank Charitable Foundation is taking grant applications for community-improvement initiatives in Troy and throughout Rensselaer County. Applications are open to both individuals and organizations for amounts up to $5,000. Anyone wishing to apply must attend an in-person training session to be scheduled in mid-March.
For more information, please contact Leslie Cheu at lcheu@tsbfoundation.org.
City Council Meeting Recaps
February 6: Confirmation Hearing, Special Finance, and Regular Meeting
The Council was introduced to Jack Krokos - the administration’s newly appointed comptroller. Mr. Krokos was confirmed with a 6-1 vote. While Mr. Krokos presented well before the Council, I was the sole vote against the confirmation due to a lack of municipal finance experience and the continuing, open-ended need for outside consultants to conduct the day-to-day operations of the department.
The Council passed ORD 5 which amended Chapter 216 of City Code to set fees for the newly renovated Knick Ice Rink. Included with the modest fees and free skate rentals was a clause charging $200/hr. for ice rentals. This fee is approximately $170 less per hour than the recently approved contract for the Troy Albany Youth Hockey Association, which I and my Democratic colleagues opposed as a poorly-negotiated contract.
The Council authorized a contract with Heer Realty for the marketing and sale of 34 Centerview Drive. The property was obtained by the City through foreclosure.
The Council passed RES 8 which begins the process of renaming Project Road. An Honorary Designation of “Learning Way” will be assigned while the Planning Board conducts a public hearing to recommend a permanent name change back to the City Council.
February 20: Finance Committee and Special Meeting
The Finance Committee passed ORD 7 which authorizes the sale of several vacant, city-owned parcels of land. All proposals were reviewed by the Property Review Committee and a memo of their findings was included with the agenda. All proposals will be voted on at the March 6 Regular Meeting.
The Finance Committee introduced ORD 11 and scheduled a public hearing for the re-zoning of 74 New Turnpike Road. This is the site of the former Leonard Hospital. The applicant is proposing approximately 80 tiny homes as rental senior housing.
The Finance Committee passed RES 19 urging Congress to maintain the existing Lead and Copper Rule. As the current federal administration reviews regulations and laws, it is important for all of us to remember that some regulations were created for very important reasons. No resident, parent, or child should have to worry about the quality of their water. The science is sound: there is no safe level of lead in drinking water.
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