The City of Troy, New York, "Where Henry Hudson Turned Around."

Monday, April 25, 2016

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Newly minted District 6 Councilman John Donohue would like Troy to make a good first impression on people. In particular, he would like the Gateways to Troy to look better. The gateway closest to Donohue's heart is the area near the Menands Bridge. What greets people entering the city via the Menands Bridge? Not much. Some houses, a billboard or two and a pathetic hill partially covered in some stone.

Donohue has a valid point. One's first view of a city or town can leave a lasting impression. That is particularly true for tourist destinations which Troy is not.

The City actually looks pretty nice when coming over the Green Island Bridge. There is not much you can do with the Collar City Bridge. The tomb stone store is a nice touch. Congress Street? Eh. Not bad and not much that can be done there either.

The city does look better coming down Congress, since the elimination of the empty public housing monstrosities.



The last time something was done for the Menands entrance was two administration's ago. We won't mention names. The City sought bids to spruce up the Menands Gateway. Bids came in and the lowest responsible bidder was rejected by the administration.*Another bid was accepted and we got some stones thrown on a hillside. A lawsuit ensued.

Perhaps this is something neighborhood groups can tackle. Raise some money, dust, vacuum, get some signs and a few flower boxes.

While many may think Donohue's ambition is less than grand, these small things matter. And, they can add up over time. Lets see if Donohue can get something done.

* While the City should go with the highest, responsible bidder, we are not entirely unsympathetic for rejecting this particular bidder. However, the rules are the rules and the result was one more lawsuit the City did not need.

47 comments:

Anonymous said...

I got two stones you might be interested in right here SLAPPY.

Anonymous said...

Responsible bidder was rejected because he wasn't and the only thing he was responsible for was a conviction. The lawsuit was almost settled by a Lou appointed loser lawyer but was ultimately dropped. HG4YN

Anonymous said...

I believe that you actually meant that the LOWEST responsible bidder was rejected by Mayor Crawley, and the HIGHEST bidder was then awarded the contract by Mayor Mirch. THAT is the issue that got us sued, and cost us a settlement AGAIN.

Anonymous said...

Mayor Crawley haaaa! What a big dope! I wouldn't trust him to watch my cat.

Anonymous said...

Any info on the settlement? How much? Who was the lawyer?

Anonymous said...

It's Hoosick street that's the worst. Troy looks like a complete shithole to drivers going to and from Vermont, and the traffic control is terrible. We missed the boat big time when the decision was made to put in sidewalks (that no one uses) instead of a middle turning lane.

Anonymous said...

112th street bridge lights need to be painted looks terrible

Anonymous said...

Here's the article on the lawsuit. http://www.troyrecord.com/article/TR/20101027/NEWS/310279991

Anonymous said...

Thank you 2:12 PM for your response. According to the article the lawyer for the plaintiff is Josh Sabo ( see below). Now on the second question, how was this case litigated or resolved? Democratus, you brought it up. In the immortal words of Colonel Jessop "You can't handle the truth".

"A complaint filed with the United States District Court, Northern District of New York, was dated September 17, 2010, but any action that has taken place since then is unclear as Joshua Sabo, Mulinio's attorney, declined to comment. Citing the advice of his lawyer, Mulinio also declined to comment on the suit.

Anonymous said...

One of many lawsuits the city was forced to defend itself against, thanks to that incompetent assclown Tutunjian. He was the embodiment of "little man" syndrome.

Anonymous said...

It says 2010, has it been resolved? Assclown?

Anonymous said...

Mulinio dropped the suit due to being arrested for spitting on Harry!

Anonymous said...

What would one have to do with another? Didn't the attorney Sabo work for Lou in the legal department?

Anonymous said...

Pizza ring..

DrewCoop13 said...

Costanza

Anonymous said...

Some ideas for giving Troy some more curb appeal. Since there are so many ways into Troy, whatever is done should be spread throughout the city.
1. Clear all sidewalks, gutters & curbs of litter & trash, especially the kind with nothing better to do. 2. Ban all billboards, temporary commercial signs tacked to electric poles & political sign usage .
3. Make the entire city of Troy a DRUG FREE ZONE.

Anonymous said...

Remember all the Italian grandmothers throwing holy water on the pizza ring boys at the court house? That shitbirds got just what he deserved from Harry. Nothing.

Anonymous said...

To bad the last 3 councilmen have been too useless to step up on this issue.

Anonymous said...

I still can't figure out this lawsuit against Harry. He is sued by Mulino and represented by Sabo. Lawsuit started in 2010 yet I haven't heard how it was resolved.

Anonymous said...

Is it me, or does it bug anyone else, that we're getting more public housing on the Hudson? Taylor is bad enough, but to add more is just f-in insane! TRIP mentality at its worse. This isn't a den or rep thing at all--it's riverfront property for God's-sake. Cohoes, gets beautiful tax paying properties built, and Troy rehabs for the indigent Am I the only one tired of paying for all this shit?

Anonymous said...

Now that's funny!

Anonymous said...

There was nothing worse for Troy than Harry Tutunjian. Ask George Pataki. He has great stories.

Anonymous said...

Tapestry on the Hudson is Mixed income NOT low income. It's not public housing.

Anonymous said...

No one more useless than Jim Gordo

Anonymous said...

Tapestry is mixed income. The majority being low income and according to the news 15 out of 67 for the homeless. Now who the fuck is going to pay top rent while stepping over hobo joe to open his door. Typical dem apologist.

Anonymous said...

For a city that keeps trying to call itself the "new Brooklyn", it keeps doing things that are perpetuating our same old reputation. Why in the world with empty Taylor buildings sitting by a major entrance to the city with broken windows & graffiti are we ready to turn over yet again another prime riverfront property to low income housing? I think you will find that even though Tapestry is calling itself "not for profit", it was started by a very profit driven development company taking advantage of the current tax incentives. This building will become tomorrow's crime incubator for sure. More drugs, more welfare, & more section 8 housing in a city already drowning in all these problems. This is what Tut's admin wanted to do with the Monument Square Building and what he was trying to sneak by us. For all the naysayers of public housing, low income housing , call it whatever you want to, there is big money being made behind the scene. This is just another example of the total head up the ass hypocrisy that keeps Troy's age old reputation alive. Troy can not seem to get out of it's way no matter what. It is what has made us the drug, crime & welfare capital of upstate.

Phana24JG said...

Intelligent cities are getting out of subsidized housing, or at least using the least productive land. This "affordable housing" on prime riverfront property makes zero sense.

Anonymous said...

Totally agree with Phana but when has Troy ever done something intelligent that wasn't fucked up by greedy developers and old prejudices that block any common sense progress. Let's just all wave the flag at the parade and live in our little fantasy of the Troy that used to be. We have serious issues that are not being addressed. If we want this city to thrive and not just be a once in a while destination for drinkers and boat people, we have to set ourselves apart and become a community where WORKING TAXPAYER people want to live and raise their families in a safe healthy environment. This is the 21st century not the 19th or 20th, let's start acting like it.

Phana24JG said...

Great point 8.39, too bad the colleges are broke. The Taylor Apts area would be great for a joint RPI/Sage development.

Anonymous said...

And now Mulinio and his crew area underling their I'll gotten gains by investing in real estate such as Stewart's near HVCC, that paintball field in Brunswick, and many others. Pretty good deal, out on a technicality and you're suddenly a legit businessman. Why bother going to school and working hard? Disgusting!
....Wolf T.Flywheel

Anonymous said...

just bury the coffee cans in yard!

Anonymous said...

Boy, did my last post have typis, or what?!? Damned so-called "smartphone"!
....Flywheel.

Anonymous said...

Harry, How does mulinos spit taste? you never answered that question.he is the only man with balls. I bet u wont confront him again.lol I would rather get punched than for another man to spit in my face

Anonymous said...

Mulinio won $32,500.00 not bad for a days pay.

Anonymous said...

Anyone have the total $$$ amount on settlements paid out by the taxpayers of Troy because of Tut's arrogance, stupidity, incompetence, etc. ?

Anonymous said...

Nope he didn't.

Anonymous said...

@ 7.53 Mulino didn't get a dime. And his attorney Sabo was quietly let go from Lou's administration. 32k? He didn't get 32 cents.

Anonymous said...

The only people the pizza ring dealers hurt were themselves and their families, it's not like they cost taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars in lawsuits for running Troy like the Nazis!!

Anonymous said...

The city settled for $32k. Look it up Einstein. And How much more has Fat Harry cost Troy and the taxpayers? It's a big number. No wonder the voters hate him.

Anonymous said...

What??? They just hurt themselves, what about all the people they peddled their drugs to?? What the trial that they had that cost the taxpayers or the hours of investigating the cost the taxpayers!! That really is a stupid statement that you made.

Anonymous said...

Says who? Now your sympathetic to drug users? They paid their dues and are doing well, who cares they sold drugs 26 years ago, who are they hurting now. You are so jealous of South Troy Boys because they all own you!

Anonymous said...

Hey let's not ruin Tutunjians fantasy world he lives in by bringing up his incompetence! Harry and his pals are so jealous of anyone they don't like who does well or is well liked! God forbid your successful and well liked and call them out for being corrupt. You earn a special seat at their Thanksgiving table! They act like purtulent, spoiled8th graders who take their ball and go home when they getting beat.

Anonymous said...

He didnt get a dime..the suit was dropped

Anonymous said...

You really do sound ignorant!!! I am from South Troy so no I'm not jealous of anyone. And last time I checked selling drugs does hurt people that use them.

Anonymous said...

Did they really pay their dues??

Anonymous said...

Drug dealers are scum. Users and addicts made choices. If addicts want help then they should be made to turn in their dealer. If cops, lawyers or any public officials get charged with drug related crimes, their prison terms should be automatically doubled and their pensions revoked.

Anonymous said...

Nope, I think spending 8 years in prison is!!