by Tom Ellis ALBANY, NY: Todd Ommen and Robert O’Connor of the Pace Environmental Litigation Clinic (PELC) made a joint zoom presentation at the June 16th Save the Pine Bush dinner. Lynne Jackson hosted the event. Mr. Ommen led off. He is the PELC managing attorney and supervises interns. He began practicing environmental law in … Pace Environmental Litigation Clinic Defends the Pine Bush
Here are some helpful tools to help you research development and land use changes in Albany Pine Bush. Properties on the Planning Board Agendas See our Planning Board Agenda Tracker. Search a Property You can search a property here, however it must be in a very specific format to match the tax record, like this … Research
As much as we love solar, the Borrego Solar Project in Guilderland is NOT okay. Note: This proposal has been pulled. We are continuing to monitor future development proposals for this property. They will be submitting their site plan review to the Planning Board on Wednesday, September 8 2021. This project is in a full … Curry Road Solar Guilderland (Borrego Solar) Proposed on 48-acres of Full Protection Lands
At the same Town Board meeting where the Board passed a zoning amendment prohibiting commercial soccer fields in residentially zoned areas, the Town Board heard a presentation by its director of parks about the townÕs own proposed soccer fields in the Pine Bush. The zoning amendment passed by the Town Board specifically prohibits commercial soccer … Town of Guilderland Wants to Build Soccer Fields
Guilderland and Pyramid look for second suit, filed by Save the Pine Bush, to be dismissed Monday, August 2, 2021 – 19:13 Enterprise file photo — Michael Koff The not-for-profit group Save The Pine Bush, in November 2020, celebrated when Westmere residents won a lawsuit (which was recently overturned) that stopped construction of two Pyramid projects. … Guilderland and Pyramid look for second suit, filed by Save the Pine Bush, to be dismissed
Walk to Save the Pine Bush! – Saturday October 21st – 10K Walk to Save the Pine Bush! Saturday October 21st – 10K It’s time to put on those walkin’ shoes folks, enjoy the fresh autumn air, and help Save the Pine Bush’s efforts to halt the destruction of the Albany Pine Bush. The 2nd … 9
Whereas, the applications and permitting to construct and operate an expansion of the City’s existing landfill located on Rapp Road in the City of Albany, together with mitigation related to the expansion, referred to as Eastern Expansion, is before the Common Council for deliberation; and Whereas, since 1990 there have been multiple expansions of the … Town of Colonie Planning Board
Dear All, In two weeks, the Town of Guilderland will hold an in-person hearing on Pine Bush Senior Living PUD-24 New Karner Road on Tuesday July 13. The Town Board meeting begins at 7 PM This project was approved in 2015, but, it appears that the developer never broke ground. See the Altamont Enterprise article:https://altamontenterprise.com/04042019/depth-look-pine-bush-senior-living … 24 New Karner Road Senior Living Facility – Speak out on July 13th
Monday, February 15, 2021 – 19:52 – Altamont Enterprise GUILDERLAND — The judge overseeing the town of Guilderland and Pyramid Management Group’s appeal to reverse a lower court’s decision that stopped construction of the company’s Rapp Road and Western Avenue projects has agreed to a request for “an expedited briefing schedule on this appeal.” The … Appeals court in Guilderland-Pyramid lawsuit allows case to cut the line – Altamont Enterprise
By Tom Ellis, June/July 2021 Newsletter HUDSON RIVER VALLEY: Residents of Hudson River valley, but especially Ravena and Coeymans, won a great victory on May 5 when the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) commissioner issued a short statement revoking its prior authorization for the Lafarge cement company’s to burn tires at its Ravena cement … Lafarge Can’t Burn Tires!
ALBANY: On Sunday, May 23, a fire ripped through John Wolcott (one of SPB’s Founders) and Linda Becker’s Sheridan Avenue home. The fire began in the house next door and leapt to the roof of John and Linda’s house. Fortunately, John and Linda were away on vacation and are safe. Unfortunately, the house was a … Fire Burns House of Save the Pine Bush Founder John Wolcott
by Tom Ellis The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) illegally granted the town of Colonie permits on April 5 to vastly enlarge its landfill located near Route 9 on the bank of the Mohawk River. The Saratoga County towns of Waterford and Halfmoon have filed lawsuits challenging DEC’s ruling. With the new permits, the … Colonie Landfill Updates
by Tom Ellis ALBANY, NY: Joe Paparone of the Labor-Religion Coalition of NYS and former Albany Common Council member Vivian Kornegay spoke about The Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Renewal (PPC), at the April 18 SPB dinner. Joe described himself as a sax player but not a singer, and works on immigration … The Poor People’s Campaign
by Grace Nichols We, at Save the Pine Bush, are very concerned about Climate Change because we are Earthlings, and because we have friends amongst many species under threat; we have been having speakers address climate issues for the last few years. Other institutions are doing likewise. On May 12, I travelled to the land … Report back from Princeton University, “Witnessing Professionals and Climate Change” Workshop, May 12, 2018
Pine Bush Loses – Drumlin Fields Approved Albany Common Council Votes Against Pine Bush Approves Drumlin Fields Office Complex Ignores Commission and all Rational Thought by Lynne Jackson The Common Council, against the wishes of its constituents, major environmental organizations in Albany, Save the Pine Bush, and the Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission, approved the … Pine Bush Loses – Drumlin Fields Approved
Percy Schmeiser, a life-long farmer and seed saver from Bruno, Saskatchewan, Canada, and former mayor and member of the provincial legislature, has spent the last five years embroiled in a battle with Monsanto after the its patent-protected Roundup Ready canola contaminated his fields This 73-year-old has become an international folk hero in the struggle against … Garage Sale Sucess!
by Christine Kielb Tom Ellis and Christine Kielb of Stop Trucks Assaulting Rensselaer (STAR), a group of Rensselaer residents and their allies, are continuing their work fighting the tractor trailer truck traffic passing through city neighborhoods to and from the Dunn Construction and Demolition (C&D) landfill. This landfill operation, larger than the Colonie and Albany … Truck Traffic in Rensselaer: Update
by Tom Ellis ALBANY, NY: Scott Kellogg and Justina Thompson spoke at the September 19th SPB dinner. Scott is the executive director of the Radix Center at 153 Grand Street in the South End of Albany. Justina is a 19-year-old student at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute majoring in sustainability studies. Both are highly enthusiastic about their … The Islands of Radix Center
It is with great sadness that we observe the passing of our dear friend, Louise Burch. Louise was a stalwart volunteer for Save the Pine Bush for decades. She folded newsletters and drove Rezsin and the newsletters to the post office. But, most important of all, she selflessly washed the dishes at the dinners, so … Save the Pine Bush Loses A Very Dear Friend
ALBANY: Mindy Whisenhunt and her daughter Alex spoke at the October Save the Pine Bush vegetarian lasagna dinner at the First Presbyterian Church. They have made two trips to the landfill outside of Guatemala City to volunteer with and organization called Camino Seguro or Safe Passage that helps the children of people who eke out … Making a Living as a Trash Picker The Landfill in Guatemala City
by Tom Ellis ALBANY, NY: Albany resident and Secretary of the NYS Green Party Peter Lavenia was the featured speaker at the August 14 SPB dinner. He spoke about Renewable Energy: Why the Old Country is New Again and We’re Not. What Peter did was compare the political climates in Europe and the United States to explain … Peter Lavenia Explains Why Europe is Ahead of the US on Energy and Climate
ALBANY: Despite Save the Pine Bush’s win in the Appellate Division, Theraldson from North Dakota, may get its approval to build a hotel on occupied Karner Blue habitat in the Pine Bush. Much ink has been spent on this proposed hotel. As this newsletter goes to press, yet another Common Council Planning Committee meeting will … The Hotel Is Back
ALBANY: Worried about the tax base? Concerned that the City will lose money if we don’t get a hotel in the Pine Bush? Don’t worry, the hotel is eligible for a property tax deduction!!! 485b is a state tax incentive program — a program that promotes sprawl. To be eligible, any business “involved in the … Hotel Eligible for Tax Incentive
by Tom Ellis ALBANY, NY: “I would not be standing here without the work Save the Pine Bush has done to hold people accountable,” said Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission (APBPC or commission) Director Neil Gifford, as he began his presentation at the May 18 SPB dinner. Neil spoke at length about the Karner Blue … Neil Gifford – Good News about the Pine Bush
by Lynne Jackson ALBANY: Neil Gifford, conservation director of the Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission, spoke at the Save the Pine Bush Earth Day dinner on April 22. He brought good news. Neil began by describing “young forest management.” Young forests are dominated by shrubs and saplings, and are often found where old farm … Neil Gifford Brings Good News
by Stephen Williams, The Daily Gazette It’s one of the great animal kingdom migrations of the last century — the arrival and flourishing of the coyote in the eastern United States. The thick-furred canine and its high-pitched, ethereal yips and howls have become commonplace across the Capital Region over the last 30 years. Even suburbanites … Researcher: Coyote is Part Wolf
ALBANY: Mark you calendars, Wednesday, December 3 at 7:00 PM at the Polish Community Center, DEC will conduct a public hearing on the City of Albany’s proposal to expand the landfill into the Pine Bush (see other announcement on page 4). For two decades, DEC and the City have been promising not to expand the … DEC sets Public Hearing on Landfill in the Pine Bush
CONCORD, N.H. – Two biologists crawled through a field thick with blueberry, black chokeberry, and scrub oak, searching for butterfly eggs the size of pinheads. Suddenly, one of them, Steve Fuller, thrust a hand into the air. “Found one!” he shouted. As his colleague, Heidi Holman, ran to his side, Fuller opened his hand to … Returning to flight
by Lynne Jackson ALBANY: The First Presbyterian Church was the setting for the July Save the Pine Bush vegetarian/vegan lasagna dinner. Dina Cappiello, environmental reporter for the Hearst-owned Times Union regaled the diners with passionate tales of what it is like to be one of the 50 full-time environmental reporters in the country. Educated in … The News comes to the Pine Bush – Dina Cappiello Speaks
by Grace Nichols Have you noticed in driving through rural New York, that your windshield – which once would have been covered with the remnants of countless insect collisions are now fairly clean? This observation has been made globally and linked to severe declines in insect populations. Insects are a critical part of the ecosystem … Pollinator-Friendly County Resolution to be introduced in the face of alarming flying insect declines
by Tom Ellis ALBANY, NY: Dan Van Riper spoke about the proposed Lincoln Park sewage treatment facility at the May 16 SPB dinner. His wife, Lynne Jackson, introduced him saying Dan has studied the sewage issue for more than ten years and written about it extensively on his blog Dan began saying, “This is a … Proposed Lincoln Park Sewage Treatment Plant
Dear Common Councilmembers: Thank you for again hearing our concerns about the need for good ecological and scientific review of the Pine Bush Mitigation/Restoration plan. There are many problems with the plan. Save the Pine Bush has presented many concerns to this body regarding the ecological impacts and financial waste involved in this mitigation plan. … NYS Climate Action Council
Dear All, This is an important event to attend. I hope to see everyone tomorrow! Sincerely, Lynne Jackson For Save the Pine Bush Date: Thursday April 22Time: 4:00 PMLocation: in front of Cong. Paul Tonko’s office, Dove and Washington, Albany NYWhat: Demand Climate Action Climate change groups in the Capital District will observe Earth Day … Demand Climate Change Action – Earth Day, April 22, 2021 🌎
Let Your Voice Be Heard! – Don’t Let Them Take Land from Preserve! Public Hearings on the Pine Bush Make your voice heard about Pine Bush Preservation! It does make a difference! Wednesday, November 5, 7:00 pm – There will be a hearing on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the YWCA proposal at the … 9
Below are excerpts from an article about Peter Buttner from the Altamont Enterprise: Peter J.R. Buttner was a man who, by his own reckoning, worked to build a brighter future no matter how dark the present. He did this in his personal life and in his professional life as director of Environmental Management for … Save the Pine Bush loses a friend Peter J.R. Buttner
This evening 1/12, the Concept Plan Review for a 2 Lot Minor Subdivision – 10 New Karner Road in the Pine Bush will be under consideration by the Town Planning Board. See the agenda here. You may also provide comment during the meeting by dialing (929) 205-6099, and entering Meeting ID: 870 8196 7894 and … 10 New Karner Road Subdivison
snowpeople Welcome to Snow People! We are citizens of the City of Albany who want the city sidewalks to be usable in all weather. After all, we do live in the northeast of New York! Here are some photos of sidewalks taken by Janet Carr in January, 2003. For more information, contact Janet Carr
Devil Eats Developer – Massive Coverup Alleged Devil Eats Developer Massive Coverup Alleged By Daniel Van Riper The endangered Albany Pine Bush Devil, making it’s first reported appearance since last April Fools, has attacked and eaten developer Charlie Touhey, thus dramatically ending his stubborn and irrational plans to destroy Pine Bush acreage at 300 Washington … 9
ALBANY: It is with great sadness that Save the Pine Bush announces the passing of one of its founders and long-time leader, Rezsin Adams. Rezsin, born in Brooklyn on February 13, 1927, died peacefully yesterday at the age of 93. Rezsin met her husband, the late Dr. Theodore Adams, while attending college at the University of … Rezsin Adams, leader of Save the Pine Bush, passes away
GUILDERLAND: Regal Cinemas at Crossgates Maul has requested to increase the height of one theater from about 24 feet to approximately 70 feet above grade. The theater will become a “True Imax” according to their application. Save the Pine Bush sued over the approval of the original theaters in the 1990s. Unfortunately, we lost, and … Regal Cinemas at Crossgates Will Shade the Karner Blues
PETER HENNER ATTORNEY AND COUNSELOR AT LAW P.O. BOX 326 CLARKSVILLE, NEW YORK 12041-0326 (518) 768-8232 Fax: (518) 768-8235 WEB SITE: peterhenner.com * CERTIFIED MAIL – RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED NOTICE OF INTENT TO SUE October 20, 2003 Mr. Mark Wagner, General Manager Pyramid Crossgates Company 120 Washington Avenue Albany, New York 12203 Dear Mr. Wagner: … Notice of Intent to Sue
Albany — A blizzard howled on the evening of Feb. 6, 1978, when a shrinking remnant from the last Ice Age faced the prospect of the bulldozer. Anyone who cared that land in the Pine Bush — glacially created sand dunes and pitch pines at the city’s western edge — was slated for an office … Nature preservers For 30 years, Save the Pine Bush has fought for ancient barrens
Open Space Public Hearing Wednesday, November 14. 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. — Workshop 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. — Public Hearing 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. — Public Hearing Public Assembly Room (129A & B) NYSDEC Central Office 625 Broadway Albany, NY ALBANY: A draft update of New York’s Open Space Conservation Plan for … Draft Open Space Conservation Plan Available for Public Review
In celebration of the centenary of Vladimir Nabokov’s birth, Kurt Johnson and Steve Coats wrote Nabokov’s Blues, about Nabokov’s passion for butterflies and scientific investigations into blue butterflies. Our own Karner Blue butterfly has its own chapter called “Dancing with Fire” in the book. Here is a brief excerpt which describes Nabokov’s feelings for the … Save the Pine Bush
ALBANY: The NYS Appellate Division dismissed Save the Pine Bush case’s case suing the Town of Clifton Park Planning Board over a proposed development on Wood Road that is occupied Karner Blue. The Court said Save the Pine Bush does not have standing or the right to bring the case to court. Save the Pine … Save the Pine Bush Loses in Clifton Park
Residents foil meeting on Crossgates expansion Residents foil meeting on Crossgates expansion Guilderland — Scores gather to keep a zoning board from advancing the project KIMBERLY MARTINEAU, Staff writer published on September 1, 1998 in the Times Union Nearly 200 residents refused to let the town’s Zoning Board of Appeals conduct a meeting Monday … Residents foil meeting on Crossgates expansion
Nabokov’s Blues Save the Pine Bush Sues City of Albany and Department of Environmental Conservation Over Illegal Landfill in the Pine Bush ALBANY, NY: Save the Pine Bush filed suit against the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the City of Albany over the permit approval for the City of Albany P-4 landfill … Nabokov’s Blues
Letters to Save the Pine Bush Letters to Save the Pine Bush Here is a sampling of letters written to Save the Pine Bush and some responses written by Lynne Jackson: From: rngeorge@gw.dec.state.ny.us (Richard Georgeson) To: pinebush@aol.com To Lynne Jackson: Lynne – In your history of Save the Pine Bush section of your … Letters to Save the Pine Bush
Million Worker March Million Worker March by Lynne Jackson On Sunday, October 17, my friend Jennifer Lindop and I got on a bus to go to Washington, DC fro the Million Worker March. We left from Albany, NY at midnight, arrived in Washington at 7:30 am. We visited memorials on the mall before attending the … 4
Membership Reminder Membership Reminder If you have not yet, please take a moment to send your membership or a donation to Save the Pine Bush, c/o 33 Central Avenue, Albany, New York 12210. Save the Pine Bush has many challenges coming upand we need your support now more than ever. Save the Pine Bush is … Membership Reminder