2016 was a fairly busy year for the environment and for PAUSE. We began by joining with the Break Free Coalition in January to plan the nationally covered Break Free From Fossil Fuels march and rally here in Albany in May. More than 2500 people gathered in Lincoln Park from as far away as Wyoming … People of Albany United for Safe Energy — PAUSE Year in Review
The editorial “Question and answer time,” Sept. 4, regarding a late August state Senate public hearing on PFOA contamination in Rensselaer County said the central issue is “why a village of 3,500 people was drinking contaminated water for more than a year after officials first knew of the problem” and asked “what could have been … Bad air a problem in the South End
NEW SCOTLAND — A man of principle and passion, Peter Henner worked for causes he believed in with the same logic and commitment he used when playing chess. He tackled his legal work as he tackled mountains on climbs with his wife — with a sense of adventure. “He always told everything straight,” said Nancy … Peter Henner
by Tom Ellis ALBANY, NY: When we learned that US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regional administrator Judith Enck would be speaking in Albany the same evening Save the Pine Bush as the scheduled August dinner, SPB decided to cancel the dinner and hear Ms. Enck speak. On August 17, Ms. Enck, formerly of Albany, … Judith Enck Meets with Ezra Prentice Residents
by Tom Ellis ALBANY, NY: Julien Bouget of Sun Edison was the speaker at the June 15 SPB dinner. Mr. Bouget has been in the wind business since 1999. He was born in France. He was introduced by Tim Truscott. Tim told me later that Mr. Bouget studied physics in college. Mr. Bouget said … Wind Energy
Opinion by Tom Ellis ALBANY, NY: Would a huge reduction in the size of the Albany County Legislature be good for the county, the Pine Bush, and democracy? The Albany County Charter Review Commission (ACCRC) issued a report in January recommending a reduction from 39 to 25 members. The proposal is touted to improve accountability, increase bi-partisanship, and … Size of the Albany County Legislature
by Tom Ellis ALBANY, NY: Albany Law School graduate, former DEC Assistant Commissioner, and Earthjustice attorney Chris Amato spoke at the March 20 SPB dinner about Oil-by-Rail in Albany. Mr. Amato said the recent massive increase in North American oil-by-rail shipments impact most of NYS and he hopes to represent a broad coalition on this … Chris Amato Speaks About the Oil Trains
by Lynne Jackson On February 6, 2013, Save the Pine Bush will be 35. I wanted to reprint the story of our formation (the extended version can be found on the website, http://www.savethepinebush.org) Save the Pine Bush came into being on February 6, 1978. It snowed that day. It snowed so much that the … Save the Pine Bush Turns 35 in February
by Tom Ellis ALBANY, NY: Holly Ahern, an Associate Professor of Microbiology at SUNY Adirondack in Queensbury, was the guest speaker at the August 29 SPB dinner. She discussed Lyme Disease: A Growing Epidemic. Ms. Ahern began saying the US Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the NYS Health Department (DOH) have a definition … Lyme Disease: A Growing Epidemic
by Grace Nichols ALBANY: Steven Leibo, Phd, a Sage Colleges Professor of International History and Politics, as well as an International Affairs Commentator on WAMC Northeast Public Radio, came to speak to us about the Climate Change crisis. Dr. Leibo has been a constant presence on the academic and environmental scene in the Capital … Run Away Climate:
by Tom Ellis ALBANY: Derrick Marcucci of Landmark Archeology was the featured speaker at the November 16 SPB dinner at the Westminster Presbyterian Church. He said most of his firm’s Pine Bush work involves development proposals, the number of which have dropped off quite a bit in the past three years. The Pine Bush … Archaeology in the Pine Bush
ALBANY, NY -At the April 20 dinner, speakers from four different organizations addressed a cause that united them: keeping hydrofracking out of New York State. Roger Downs represented the Sierra Club, a membership grass roots organization. He said that he has never seen a movement attract so many people. For example, at a rally last … No Frack-ing Way
The Town of Colonie has held a couple of meetings to review the zoning that has resulted from the Comprehensive Plan process completed in 2005. Below, is a press release sent by Dan Dustin. It is the best explanation of what is happening now, and I am publishing it in its entirety—the editor Colonie Town … Town of Colonie is in the Process of Revoking Protection of the Pine Bush!
By JORDAN CARLEO-EVANGELIST, Staff writer , reprinted from the Times Union, First published in print: Tuesday, May 4, 2010 ALBANY — City lawmakers on Monday again rejected a crucial borrowing measure to allow the city to continue the Rapp Road Landfill expansion, dealing another blow to Mayor Jerry Jennings’ administration and once again leaving the … Turnabout defeats Albany landfill vote again
Trash Talkin’ January is one of the busiest times for cell phone recycling, because so many are replaced or upgraded during the holidays. Since your trusty cell contains not-so-nice materials like arsenic, lead and zinc, keeping it out of a landfill is a must. Even if you think one phone is too small to do … DEC’s Dump Hearing December 3, 2008
Dear Save the Pine Bush supporters, In this newsletter is a survey about your connection with Save the Pine Bush. Elisabeth Mason, our Save the Pine Bush history intern, has worked very hard this semester compiling our historical record. As part of her project and to help us out, she is conducting a survey. Please, … City Can’t Decide!
by Lynne Jackson ALBANY, NY — The First Lutheran Church was the setting for the talk by Percy Schmeiser, the Canadian farmer being sued by Monsanto for patent infringement. Speaking to a standing room only crowd of more than 300, Percy spoke plainly and clearly about the lawsuit and what it means to everyone in … Who Owns Life? Canadian Farmer Sued by Monsanto
Go directly to Common Council Members Download a PDF of this announcement ALBANY: Tharaldson Development Company of North Dakota, wants to construct a Residence Inn Mariott hotel on Washington Avenue Extension, adjacent to a known Karner Blue butterfly site and a site that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife service recognizes as occupied by Karner Blues. … Oral Argument in Hotel Case Heard in Appellate Division
by: DENNIS YUSKO Staff writer CLIFTON PARK — A 142,000-square-foot facility proposed by DCG Development along Wood Road would further undermine the area’s endangered Karner blue butterfly habitats, town residents and area environmentalists told the Planning Board. DCG wants to build a warehouse or a light industrial space on 37 acres its owns between the … Building called threat to butterflies
By JILL BRYCE Gazette Reporter COLONIE – The fate of the tiny Karner blue butterfly will be a factor when crews begin replacing a Route 155 bridge this spring. Even the butterfly’s flight patterns have been taken into consideration in the design of the new $2 million bridge in the Albany Pine Bush, which will … Pine Bush bridge work to defer to rare butterfly
Common Council Approves an Office Complex at 365 Washington Avenue Extension Common Council Approves an Office Complex at 365 Washington Avenue Extension Council Member Carol Wallace Makes Eloquent Plea for the Pine Bush Preservation Albany, NY – The Common Council approved a re-zoning for office buildings at 365 Washington Extension by a vote of 10 … Common Council Approves an Office Complex at 365 Washington Avenue Extension
ALBANY, NY: Save the Pine Bush filed suit in New York State Supreme Court over the City of Albany Common Council’s approval of the Residence Inn Hotel and an Office Complex on Washington Avenue Extention in the Pine Bush in March. Save the Pine Bush sued the City about two development proposals, a hotel proposed … Save the Pine Bush Sues City of Albany Over Rezoning of Land
by Tom Ellis ALBANY, NY Mark Schaeffer of 350.org and Conor Bambrick of Environmental Advocates (EA) spoke at the September 21 SPB dinner about the climate crises and the need for a political climate change. Mark led off saying pre-industrial age atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations were 280 part per million (ppm) and today are … Overview of Climate Crisis and NY Renews
by Tom Ellis ALBANY, NY: At times speaking poetically, Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission (commission) Conservation Director Neil Gifford spoke at length about the Karner Blue Butterfly (KBB) at the March 21 SPB dinner. He began with a friendly joke that “It’s Lynne and Rezsin’s fault I am here tonight,” a reference to the commission … Neil Gifford Presents A Pine Bush Update
by Tom Ellis ALBANY, NY— “The future is bright,” said John Ciovacco, President of Aztech Geothermal, at the November 15 SPB dinner. He spoke about “Geothermal Heat Pump Systems as One solution to Climate Change.” Aztech was founded in 2007, the first installations were in 2009, and 350 installations have now been completed. Mr. Ciovacco … Geothermal Power is Possible in the City
April 17, 2001 Supervisor Runion, Members of the Council, Ladies & Gentlemen: Thank you for letting me speak tonight My name is Candace Lider and I live near the Dicaprio Farm. First, I want to thank the Town of Guilderland for their foresight in purchasing this beautiful property for the enjoyment of the residents of … Save the Pine Bush
Tuesday, January 23, 2007 at 7 p.m. Stanford Home Hearing Information Hearing Notes January 23 Hearing Canadians are Coming! Archeological Information Photos – Outdoor Photos – Indoor Bonding Editorial Preservation Donate Contact Niskayuna Spotlight Newspaper, A weekly distributed free to over 4,000 homes in Town of Niskayuna NISKAYUNA: Residents seek moratorium Posted … Tuesday, January 23, 2007 at 7 p.m.
Yes, the King’s Royal Yorkers are Coming! Stanford Home Hearing Information Hearing Notes January 23 Hearing Canadians are Coming! Archeological Information Photos – Outdoor Photos – Indoor Bonding Editorial Preservation Donate Contact Yes, the King’s Royal Yorkers are Coming! Well, one man is representing the Captain Richard Duncan Company. Background: In the 1777 … Yes, the King’s Royal Yorkers are Coming!
ALBANY: The Honorable Dominick Calsolaro (1st Ward) discovered that a significant US Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) letter was missing from the proposed hotel’s Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SDEIS). This 8-page letter, written on February 1, 2007, offers a rebuttal to many points made by the developer for this proposed project. One of the most … What is Missing?
ALBANY: First proposed in the fall of 2003, this “Residence Inn” proposal for the Albany Pine Bush is back. The developer has written a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). The public may now comment on this proposal and the DEIS at the hearing scheduled for Monday, April 18 at 7:00 at Albany City Hall, Eagle … Residence Inn Hotel – Proposal is Back!
by Lynne Jackson ALBANY: John Poorman, Executive Director of the Capital District Regional Planning Commission spoke at the July SPB vegetarian/vegan lasagna dinner. Mr. Poorman began by describing what the Capital District Regional Planning Commission (CDTC) is. The CDTC is the designated “Metropolitan Planning Organization” (MPO) for four counties, Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga and Schenectady. Under … Roads in the Pine Bush – John Poorman Speaks about the CDTC
COURT OKS PINE BUSH ZONE CHANGE Appellate Division upholds decision permitting construction ***** CORRECTION PUBLISHED MARCH 24, 2001 ***** A story Friday included the wrong date for the death of the thoroughbred race horse Charles Kenny Sr. The horse died in October 1993 after he underwent ankle surgery. KIM MARTINEAU Staff writer Albany An … COURT OKS PINE BUSH ZONE CHANGE
ALBANY: Theraldson, the largest hotel corporation in the United States (sometimes known as the “Wal-Mart” of hotels) is back, asking to build a hotel on occupied Karner Blue habitat. Yes, Save the Pine Bush won our lawsuit against the City of Albany over the re-zoning the 3.6 acre site of the proposed hotel project. But, … The Hotel is Back and Badder than Ever!
GUILDERLAND, NY: If you haven’t already heard or seen it, March 26 was an horrible day for the trees on the site for the proposed Costco; Respect and adherence to the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQR) by the Town of Guilderland; and any expectation for a fair process from the Guilderland Planning … Tree Clear Cut
by Tom Ellis About 25 years back, Albany politicians made a foolish decision to purchase a large property in Coeymans (ten miles south of Albany), hoping to site a regional landfill there to replace the Rapp Road Landfill that DEC was then threatening to soon close. Albany took many years purchasing the property, eventually spending … The City is Selling 363 Acres of Land in Coeymans
by Tom Ellis ALBANY: Derrick Marcucci of Landmark Archeology was the featured speaker at the November 16 SPB dinner at the Westminster Presbyterian Church. He said most of his firm’s Pine Bush work involves development proposals, the number of which have dropped off quite a bit in the past three years. The Pine Bush he … Archaeology in the Pine Bush
Letter to the editor, Times Union, July 21, 2015 Photos by John Wolcott of Holy Innocents Fate of Albany’s historic Holy Innocents church unclear An opportunity to save the former Church of the Holy Innocents Seriously Endangered Church of The Holy Innocents Section of former Church of Holy Innocents collapses Read excerpts from a book … Save Holy Innocents Church, Albany, New York
From the Altamont Enterprise — Thursday, September 21, 2000, pages 3 and 19 (an excerpt) I love fly fishing! by Dr. Peter Buttner {Author} For more than fifty years I have been making imitations of many of the insects, minnows and other forms of life that fish feed on in fresh and salt water. It … I love fly fishing!
by Tom Ellis ALBANY, NY: On August 21, Lou Ismay completed the lecture he began in April about his experiences teaching and leading the Environmental Forum course at the University at Albany beginning fifty years ago. Lynne Jackson introduced Lou saying Lou’s office was in the Arts building. Lou hung strings from the ceiling connected … Lou Ismay and the Environmental Forum
By Lewis B. Oliver Jr., Esq Dear Save the Pine Bush Newsletter: I was in Albany Med recovering from an operation on September 16 and was unable to participate in the remembrance for Reszin. (Also, I am not computer literate and could not have gone online!). What always impressed me about Reszin was her deep … Lew Oliver Remembers Rezsin and Ted Adams
by Lynne Jackson GUILDERLAND, NY: Rapp Road Development, a corporate entity of Pyramid/Crossgates, is proposing to build on about 46 acres of land. Originally, the proposal was to build 222 apartments on 20 acres of land adjacent to the Pine Bush preserve. After the Town Planning Board appointed themselves the lead agency, the project was … Proposed Crossgates Development
by Lynne Jackson, Mar./Apr. 92 The Karner Blue has been proposed to be listed as an endangered species by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. If the butterfly is listed as an endangered species with a designated critical habitat, any developments proposed within the habitat would need to have a federal permit in order to … Letter-Writing Made a Difference Your Letters Needed to Help the Karner Blue Butterfly
If you are – or ever have been a regular at the Save the Pine Bush monthly dinners you probably knew Dr. Bush, my dad (he was the one who looked like Santa Claus but had an english accent). As some of you know he worked for the NYS Health Department, he was recruited in … Brian Bush: PCBs and the Pine Bush Looking back at a legacy
by Tom Ellis ONLINE: Long-time local environmental leader and former U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regional administrator Judith Enck spoke on “Cleaning the Air” at the June 17 Virtual Vegetarian/Vegan Lasagna Dinner. Judith spoke primarily about Lafarge and Norlite. She began with the state-owned ANSWERS trash incinerator that operated, with high lead and dioxin emissions, in … Judith Enck Speaks About Cleaning the Air
Karner Blue Butterfly Links Eastern-Tailed Blue – Marietta College, looks like a Karner Blue, but its notThe Karner Blue – a summary of the naming of the Karner Blue by NabokovFamily Lycaenidaes – Michigan UniversityThe Karner Blue – Center for Private ConservationThe Karner Blue – Endangered Species Facts, US Fish and WildlifeThe Karner Blue – … Links and Resources
Dear All, The proposed apartment complex on Rapp Road in Guilderland is back. Pyramid sold the 19 acre parcel to a local developer. This new developer has proposed some modifications to the project. The new name for the project is Apex at Crossgates. The area where the proposed apartment complex is to be built is … Fighting the Crossgates Expansion
Search Newsletter Archives: What is Full Protection, Partial Protection and who is the Pine Bush? – By Lynne Jackson – June / July 2022 Newsletter A Tribute To Lew Oliver, our wonderful lawyer The Pine Bush’s Most Famous Resident – The Karner Blue Butterfly Save the Pine Bush Victories and Fights The Thruway Authority Comes … Newsletters Articles Ordered by Subject