Colonie Supervisor Paula Mahan gave the 2012 State of the Town address before a Town Board meeting on Thursday, Jan. 19. Mahan traditionally gives the address at an early-morning Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce event but in 2010 started sharing it a second time before the night meeting to give the public a chance to listen in.
Mahan praised various town officials, departments and residents for contributing to making 2011 a “productive year” and touted elimination of the town’s deficit and the signing of the landfill agreement as major accomplishments.
“When I first assumed office in 2008, I vowed to bring fiscal stability back to the Town of Colonie. I am proud to report that we have succeeded,” said Mahan. “Next, I hope to begin the process of building a much-needed reserve fund to provide the town with flexibility and security in the years ahead.”
She recognized the efforts of the town’s 12 volunteer fire departments, EMS staff and public works department in dealing with Tropical Storms Irene and Lee, saying despite the town escaping relatively unscathed compared to other municipalities, there were still significant impacts that required attention.
“Thanks to the town employees and volunteer firefighters who worked literally around the clock, our response was excellent,” said Mahan.
She also recognized the EMS department for reducing the response times to calls, saying positioning emergency vehicles at strategic locations throughout the town made a big difference.
Though no longer “the safest town in America,” the town in 2011 ranked in the top 10 of the nation’s safest communities and Mahan said she’s just fine with what is still a distinction deserving of pride.
“As you all know, it’s quite challenging to be No. 1 forever; however, continuing to maintain a position in the top 10 is certainly a major achievement,” said Mahan. “Public safety has been one of my top priorities since day one and I assure you it will always be a top priority.”
Mahan touched on the budget process, thanking town departments for reducing their budgets by 15 percent while safeguarding services, and said that the landfill operating agreement with Waste Connections will provide annual income for the town throughout its 25-year lifespan and also eliminated the town’s $21 million deficit.
“The landfill operating agreement will generate more than $100 million over the 25-year life of the contract,” said Mahan. “The agreement provides Colonie with guaranteed annual payments over the life of the agreement. That means the town can rely on guaranteed annual landfill revenue … at a time when landfill revenues have decreased and are likely to continue decreasing as the waste management industry becomes even more competitive.”
The town’s total assessed value increased by $31.7 million in 2011 and allowed the property tax rate for 2012 to be reduced by half a percent, with new residential and commercial construction being partially to thank for that.
Looking to the future, Mahan said she’d strive to ensure the town lives within the 2 percent tax cap and said she is optimistic about sales tax revenues rebounding, though she is still concerned about increases in health insurance and mandated contributions to the New York State pension fund.
With the review process for development streamlined to help projects get started faster, Mahan said she’s looking forward to new businesses like Home Goods, a Hallmark Store and a Sabor Brazilian Steakhouse opening along Route 155, as well as Rumors Salon and Spa on Route 9, a new Crisafulli Warehouse on Old Niskayuna Road and a new Fairfield Inn on Forts Ferry Road and Wade Road Extension. The Latham Price Chopper is also on pace to become the grocery store chain’s “flagship store” with a 10,000-square-foot expansion with a new cooking school and outdoor patio.
Redevelopment in town is just as important, and Mahan pointed to Trader Joe’s and Ted’s Fish Fry on Wolf Road, a new Hannoush Jeweler’s at the former Lexington Grill, renovation to DeNooyer Chevrolet and a new Stewart’s Shop on Route 9 as examples of that.
Mahan said she remained committed to maintaining the town’s infrastructure and mentioned plans to build a new energy-efficient passive park on River Road after demolishing the old Latham Water Treatment Plant.
Continuing to provide quality services for the town’s youth and seniors will also be a goal for 2012.
“We all participate in the process of making sure our children have every advantage for academic success,” said Mahan. “On the other end of the spectrum, we have a very large senior population in the Town of Colonie. We provide a full range of programs and services designed to enhance the well being of our town’s seniors, as well as their families and caregivers.”
