TROY STARTS TREND

Troy's illusion that it was somehow unique was shattered yesterday when numerous municipalities decided they wanted their own sinkholes. In addition to the now-famous Campbell Avenue sinkhole, Krumkill Road needed repairs and Old Niskayuna Road in Colonie got its very own sinkhole. Troy will seek royalties from the two competitors.

On the Campbell Avenue sinkhole, it was tired by Monday afternoon. The coverage this has received in the media is ridiculous. One would think that every bridge leading to and from Troy collapsed, leaving the city isolated and forlorn.

The bigger issue is that it seems very likely that the entire stretch of Campbell Road, say between Franklin Terrace and the old Barna's, is compromised and could be lost. This probably started after we were hit with the tail end of Irene. Ever since that event, that stretch of road, adjacent to that drop-off, has had issues. Our prediction is that the saturation that occurred with Irene will ultimately cause a major collapse along a significant stretch of Campbell Avenue. We'd suggest that the road be studied now, before it's too late. But, no one listens to us.

 In fairness, the Colonie sinkhole is better than our sinkhole. It is bigger, muddier and a vehicle actually fell into that hole. So they got that going for them.

In other news, District 2 Councilman Mark McGrath proudly flies his  ignorance flag.

From: Mark.McGrath
> Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 2016 11:14 AM
> To: Patti.O'Brien
> Cc: Monica.Kurzejeski; Carmella.Mantello; citycouncil.; Patrick.Madden
> Subject: LDC
>
>
> Patti, as acting auditor I would request if you would obtain a copy of
> the 2012 LDC loan and grant given to the Bombers Burrito project and all
> receipts that have been paid back or are outstanding from that
> transaction. I believe the city's comptrollers office would have that
> information. Thank you

Not for the first or second time, McGrath needs to be reminded by the Deputy Mayor:

-----Original Message-----
> From: Monica.Kurzejeski
> Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 2016 11:32 AM
> To: Mark.McGrath; Patti.O'Brien
> Cc: Carmella.Mantello; citycouncil.; Patrick.Madden;
> jmiller@HarrisBeach.com
> Subject: RE: LDC
>
> Hi Mark and Patti,
>
> You can request the information from the Troy LDC directly - either
> informally or through FOIL. They are a separate entity from the City and
> aren't reviewed by the City Auditor - they have their own independent
> audit and procurement policies. I've added Justin Miller, their legal
> counsel, to this email if you would like to request the information on
> the Bomber's transaction.
>
> Thank you,
> Monica K.

Now Mark, you can't be a watchdog until you understand the relationship between various entities. It is common knowledge, however, that Bomber's has paid back both loans. You may want to investigate the IDA's decision to aid the two failed enterprises under Tutunjian's reign (the publishing company and the market). Those loans have not been paid back as of this date and nothing suggests that they will be paid back.

Also, Councilman McGrath seems to be operating under the notion that the IDA is taxpayer funded. It is not taxpayer funded. The IDA is actually funded by fees from private entities. How did we get this insider information? It is in the Authorities Law and actually on the City's website.

If you need anything else, Mark, ask Monica. She seems to know what she's doing.