MORE SCREWING IN PUBLIC

While one form of public screwing was stopped at the Cinema Art Theater last week, another public screwing occurred just down the block at City Hall.

The City Council, by a vote of 7-2, approved Ordinance #3.

Ordinance #3 - Ordinance Amending the Troy City Code of Ordinances Chapter 285-67 "Zoning District Regulations" is hereby amended to read:

"285-67 D Enlargement: Non-conforming uses may be enlarged only through the granting of a special use permit by the ZBA."

Sounds innocuous enough on it's face. The amendment also sounds strikingly similar to a Viagra commercial, but that's not the point. What the amendment really does is pave the way for jail expansion and a royal screwing for the residents of South Troy. And it all happened in public. Collier and Krogh, of course, voted for the ordinance. Talk about your deviant behavior.

This gives the Zoning Board of Appeals a lot of power. The county wants the jail to stay put and they want expansion. Does anyone in the County Legislature have any influence with anyone on the Zoning Board of Appeals? We wonder....

TROY PLANNER AT ODDS WITH HARRY

Walgreens has plans to build a store on Hoosick Street, between North Lake and Wayne. The store would be in both Troy and Brunswick. Harry likes the idea:

It's something I am excited about because it means jobs," said Troy Mayor Harry Tutunjian. He added he also wants to hear any concerns residents have about the proposal.

How likely is it that Brunswick residents will scream and shout about this project? They shouldn't waste their time. The commercialization of Hoosick Street is a done deal and the addition of a Walgreens will likely have a negligible impact on existing conditions. Some towns would kill to have the tax base that has developed on Brunswick's Route 7.

The interesting part of the story is the comment by Harry's own planner, Judy Breselor:

"I don't find it acceptable," Breselor said Monday, adding she had just finished looking at the plans and intended to examine the site. "It's really got to go before the Planning Board. I had some issues with it and have to go see how it fits."

We don't know anything about Breselor and we wish her well. Still, it seems she may lack certain self-preservation skills necessary in Troy politics. Skill number one? Only "yes" men (persons)need apply.

COUNTY LAWMAKERS MEET ON REFORM

Looks like Task Force 5 has swung into action. You in the back, stop laughing.

Except for Fasoldt, this is like a bunch of hookers arranging a vice-squad party. Until they rescind their pay raise, and Crist's and Kathy's, it's all a big joke.