Did You Know?

TRIP Offers a Variety of Programs to Homeowners, Homebuyers, and Tenants

Regardless of one’s income, education, or housing situation, TRIP’s NeighborWorks HomeOwnership Center offers many programs that can benefit anyone.  Here is a sampling of programs that are currently available: 

Troy Landlord Training Program 

October 6th & 8th, Parts 1 & 2; 6 - 8pm.  Learn from a variety of experts how to make your life – and your tenants’ too -- as painless as possible, without losing your shirt!  Speakers from TRIP’s Rental Management Department, Troy Community Police, Troy Code Enforcement, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, United Tenants, Troy Section 8, and more.  This is geared for homebuyers/first-time landlords, large landlords, small landlords, rental managers.  Everyone finds something valuable at it!  

Register today at 
http://www.triponline.org/news_and_events/WorkshopRegister.html

$15 fee for materials and light refreshments.  Seats are limited so don’t delay!

Home Maintenance Training 

Many of us become homeowners with little knowledge or skills about how to care for our most prized possession – our home.  Well, TRIP can help!  If you want to learn how to do home repairs, or even learn just enough so that you can understand your contractor or repair person’s language, TRIP’s Home Maintenance class is for you!!  This free, 8 week course provides an opportunity to learn a variety of needed skills such as painting, plumbing, electrical work, and more.  You can register for the classes of your choice or take all 8!  Offered twice a year, TRIP’s Home Maintenance Training begins on September 18th at 6 PM and continues on Thursday evenings through November 13th.  To see the schedule or to register, go to www.triponline.org.

In addition to getting the hands-on experience, read the article “15 small jobs that let you invest in your home and hold down household costs” which is excerpted from Money Talks News 
(www.moneytalksnews.com)  

Repair Program 

To Make Homes Accessible for Qualified Elderly and/or Disabled People & Vets

If you know of a Rensselaer County resident – either a renter or a homeowner – that is in need of home modifications to accommodate people with mobility issues (ie. wheelchair ramps, doorway widening, grab bars, etc.) or modifications to help those who are visually and/or hearing-impaired, check out TRIP HomeOwnership Center’s Access to Home Program.   

This program can provide up to $25,000 for eligible repairs for tenants or homeowners who meet income guidelines (which are higher for Veterans) and other criteria.  Visit www.triponline.org or call Rensselaer County Housing Resources at 690-0020 x223 for more information.  

2 More Homes for Sale

For Sale by the City of Troy:

3349 6^th Avenue

Completely Rehabbed!       Purchase Price $ 125,000

2 Story/ 2 unit – 5 bed/2 bath

Unit #1/ Level #1 – 2 bedroom/1 bath

Unit #1/ Level #2 – 3 Bed/1 bath

Deck & Laundry Room

Rent 2^nd unit for approx $800.00

Approx Monthly payment including escrow - $972.19/ month

Minimum income to afford $35,352/year (Not Including Potential Rental Income)

391 1^st Street

Completely Rehabbed!      Purchase Price $ 130,000

2 Story/ 2 unit –4 bed/3 bath

Unit #1/ Level #1 – 2 bedroom/1 bath/ Bi- Level

Unit #1/ Level #2 – 2 Bed/2 bath

Laundry Room/ Off Street Parking

Rent 2^nd unit for approx $ 850.00

Approx Monthly payment including escrow - $ 915.19/ month

Minimum income to afford $ 33,280/year (Not Including Potential Rental Income)

For more information, contact the City of Troy at (518)279-7126.

14th Annual Hidden Garden Tour

The 14th Annual Hidden Garden Tour, organized by the Friends of Prospect Park, will be held, rain or shine, 4 to 7 pm, Thursday, May 23, 2013. Parking and check-in is at the Russell Sage parking lot at the corner of First and Division Streets in downtown Troy. Admission for this self-guided Tour is $10, and maps of the participating gardens are available at the check-in table. All proceeds from the Tour benefit ongoing projects in Prospect Park. For additional Garden Tour information, contact Marilyn Haliski at haliskim [at] verizon.net or Jane Otto, 271-8060. 

New for 2013: Present your Tour map at Carmen's Cafe (corner of First and Adams Streets) for an Artist's Reception and free refreshments, 4-7 pm. And come back for a buffet dinner benefit for the Friends of Prospect Park Hidden Garden Tour, 5:30-8:30 pm at Carmen's. $25 with reservations; $30 walk-in. Reservations recommended, call (518) 326-2064.

TROY 100 Forum

Please join us ...

Forum Topic: Working together to make Troy a GREAT place!

Monday, May 20th, 2013

5:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Bush Memorial Hall

The Sage Colleges

45 Ferry Street

Troy, NY 12180

Troy 100 Forum is a village square, a place where people come to share information and to network. Our common goal is the betterment of our community. 

Saying Hello matters to creating Community

...have you said Hello today?  

We invite local businesses and groups to distribute information about your businesses and upcoming community events. In addition, invite a newbie! Bring someone new to the Forum and show them what it is all about!

You may update Forum participants on important community happenings and new business announcements with a "1-minute moment."

Let us know if you would like a 1-minute moment, would like to distribute information or are interested in becoming more involved with the Forum as a volunteer, speaker or panelist. We are soliciting ideas for topics, issues and speakers for future Forums.

Vision

The Troy 100 Forum is where Troy's business, political, community, educational, religious and cultural leaders meet to talk about topics of public concern. We discuss our views, concerns and hopes for Troy.

The Troy 100 Forum is a place for us to associate as leaders, and an opportunity for people trying to shape Troy to present their ideas for exploration and reaction.




Agenda
5:30 p.m.- 6:00 p.m. Registration and Networking
6:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m. Forum

• Welcome and Hellos
• One Minute Moments 
• Speakers
• Anthony Magnetto
• Troy Police Commissioner
• Margaret Stoner
• Transition Troy
• Small Groups
• Speakers
•  Elizabeth Young
• Troy BID
• Christopher Marblo
• Troy Arts Center of the Capital Region
• Small Groups
• Raffle & 50/50 Drawing  
• Question and Answers
• Community Conversation
• Close


Please confirm your attendance by clicking on the link:  http://www.doodle.com/hvm5292z4i5zw6qt 
**Please be sure to enter your first and last name when replying.


Francesca LoPorto
Troy 100 Forum Coordinator
The Kaleel Jamison Consulting Group, Inc.
5 Third Street, Suite 230
Troy, NY 12180
Phone: 518.271.7000
e-mail: troy100 [at} kjcg.com

Interested in Making a Difference? Volunteers Needed!

TRIP is seeking volunteers to help with an exciting new project!  In partnership with neighborhood groups and the city, we will be undertaking a community survey in part of North Central Troy to determine the level of community spirit, the advantages and disadvantages of the neighborhood, and the physical condition of the properties. This will give us some ideas about what is working well and what is needed in this community.  Furthermore, we will re-survey the same area in two years which will allow us to measure any differences that result from our collective community efforts over the next couple of years. 

If you would like to join the CIM (Community Impact Measurement) Team for some fun while collecting important information, please email Hilary [at] triponline [dot] org or call at 272-8289 x214.  

In addition to being part of a team to determine neighborhood assets and needs, you will meet new people, explore interesting neighborhoods, enjoy some lovely architectures and get fed.  And did we say it will be fun??   

We look forward to hearing from you today.

Troy Shares Free Skill Share

When:  Sunday, April 14, 2013
 3pm - 6pm

Where:  Independent Living Center of Hudson Valley, 15-17 Third Street, between Fulton and Broadway, Troy

What:  Troy Shares is sponsoring a free skill share and timebank orientation for the public. Talented members will lead the following activities:

3:00pm:

• Vegan cheese making
• Tai Chi

3:40pm:

• Review of Timebank Requests and Offers

4:30pm

• Braiding rugs
• Making your own cleaning supplies

5:10pm

• Creating a keyhole garden

For more information, see TroyShares.org or call (518) 308-8097.

Troy Shares will be at the Troy Farmers Market on Saturday, April 27. Stop by the table and say hello!

Troy Reassessment Info

If you are a property owner in Troy, then you are well aware of the property reassessment.   As a reminder, if you disagree with the full market value estimate and want to file a complaint you need to schedule an “Informal Review.”  These will be held from March 11 through March 28.   You must schedule an appointment; you can do so by going to http://appointments.garappraisal.com/ and clicking on “Informal Review Registration.”  After answering several questions, you will be able to choose a date for your review. 

If you would like to participate in a class on “Understanding Your New Property Assessment,”  you can register by going to  http://appointments.garappraisal.com/ and clicking on “Public Education Class Registration.”   That will then provide you some options for dates and times.  These workshops will focus on how the assessments were determined; a review of the notice property owners have received; and how to prepare for the informal review process.

If you need assistance registering for a review or class, call 800-718-5149.

Information regarding property assessments, inventory data, and sales is available by going to www.troyreassessment.com.  This information will also be available from Monday, March 4 to Saturday, March 20 at the following locations at the Troy Public Library:  Main Branch and Lansingburgh Branch @  27 114th Street. 

Calling All Landlords

Are you a landlord trying to do your best?  Are you struggling to find – and keep – the best possible tenants?   Are you seeking effective strategies for maintaining your property and even, perhaps, making it profitable? 

Join others at the next Troy Landlord Training sessions on April 22nd and 24th from 6-8 PM.  Sponsored by TRIP for landlords and potential landlords, the four hour program presents a variety of speakers that address tenant screening, code enforcement, the eviction process, Section 8 subsidies, renting to students, spotting criminal activity, and lots more.  As part of TRIP’s Green Initiative, information about NYSERDA and green practices in rental housing have been added to the list of topics.  Come meet experts who can help guide you to success as a landlord; presenters hail from Troy’s Code Enforcement Department and Community Police Unit, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, United Tenants, TRIP’s Rental Management Unit, Troy Housing Authority and more.

Created by a team of community members with the goal of improving the quality of life in Troy’s neighborhoods, TRIP, the city, Rensselaer and others worked with residents to create a Landlord Training Program to meet Troy’s rental market.  Since its inception in 2001, almost 1300 landlords have attended the 4- hour program.  Participants consistently give it high marks. 

The Troy Landlord Training Program is offered in spring and fall.  The next two part session will be held on Monday, April 22nd and Wednesday, April 24th from 6-8 PM both nights.  There is a $15 fee for materials and a light supper. Registration is required.

Register at www.triponline.org or (518) 690-0020 x221.  For more info, contact Hilary Lamishaw, Director of Community Affairs, at (518) 272-8289 x214.

Underground Railroad Conference April 12-14

Colia Clark

April 12: Opalka Gallery, Sage College, 140 New Scotland Ave., Albany

April 13: Russell Sage College, 65 First St., Troy 
April 13: Evening Potluck and Session, The Sanctuary for Independent Media, 3361 6th Ave., Troy
April 14: The Stephen and Harriet Myers Residence, 194 Livingston Ave., Albany

Milestones on the Road to Freedom: The Emancipation Proclamation, Harriet Tubman, and the March on Washington - a Legacy and a Future

2013 is the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, the 100th anniversary of the death of Harriet Tubman and the 50th anniversary of the 1963 March on Washington. This 12th annual conference on the Underground Railroad seeks to connect the Underground Railroad, these key events and present day struggles for freedom and justice. To that end, an extraordinary schedule of events is planned for young and old alike.

Michele Wallace

Friday’s Educators’ Workshop will focus on racial identity and privilege. The afternoon segment of the workshop will be privileged to have Michele Wallace, Black feminist, art analyst and daughter of Faith Ringgold, offer her comments on the topic. As well, Ms. Wallace will provide Friday evening’s Opening Address, The Portrayal of Slavery and the Underground Railroad in the Visual Art of Faith Ringgold, with Reference to the Path-Breaking Work of Jacob Lawrence. 

Andor Skotnes

Leading off Saturday morning, Historian Andor Skotnes will speak on The Importance (or Non-Importance) of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 and Today. He will be joined by Tubman scholar Kate Clifford Larson, speaking on Harriet Tubman Then and Now: a Woman of Importance. Over 25 workshops will be available, along with the inclusion of family friendly programming, new and returning vendors, more exhibitors, and the annual raffle. Keynote speaker Colia Clark, lifelong social activist with roots in the NAACP and SNCC, will speak on The Southern Civil Rights Struggle in the 1950s and 1960s, and the Legacy of the Underground Railroad. With their artistry, performers Travelin’ This Road, SUNYA Chamber Singers, and soloist MaryNell Morgan will help us touch the past to be inspired in the present. A palate-pleasing reception with stimulating conversation will close Saturday’s events.

Kate Clifford Larson

Saturday evening at 7:30pm (potluck prior) at Sanctuary for Independent Media, 3361 6th Ave., Troy (www.mediasanctuary.org).  Louis Massiah will present a program that is co-sponsored by Underground Railroad History Project.

 

The Stephen and Harriet Myers Residence will be the focus of Sunday’s events with tours, slide show, USCT re-enactment unit demonstration, and discussion about the future of the Myers Residence. A light lunch buffet will be available.

 

An enriching weekend awaits! Mark your calendars! Spread the word! Check the website at www.UndergroundRailroadHistory.org for info and registration. See you in April! 

Submitted by Mary Liz Stewart, Underground Railroad History Project of the Capital Region, Inc.       54 Bertha Street, Albany, NY 12209 -- 518-465-8708 -- marylizugr [at] gmail [dot] com

 

First Annual Statewide Neighborhood Revitalization Conference Warmly Received

On Saturday, September 22nd, urban planners, local officials, and neighborhood activists from Buffalo, Cheektowaga, Syracuse, Johnson City, Newburgh, and Bennington, as well as a contingent representing the Capital District from Albany, Troy, Schenectady, Latham, Amsterdam, and Cropseyville gathered together on Russell Sage campus to share knowledge and ideas about neighborhood revitalization. Topics covered included: green projects, vacant building rehabilitation, community policing, reclaiming public spaces, community art projects, and much more.

Alan Mallach addresses the conference attendees Saturday morning

Earlier that weekend, on Friday night, James Kunstler gave a keynote speech for the conference's kickoff. Alan Mallach delivered another keynote on Saturday morning, which served to successfully lead conference attendees into a thought-provoking and highly educational day.

The discussion started at the conference is on-going as new projects are brought up and more questions are asked. Please visit www.nyneighborhoods.org to take part! If you missed out on the sessions this year, don't worry-- another revitalization conference is already in the works for the fall of 2013!

Deeper Shades of Green: Building Sustainable Partnerships at the TRIP & RCHR Green Fair

On Saturday, September 29th TRIP & RCHR hosted our first Green Fair, and though the cold September rain kept us under tents and umbrellas, the 2012 Fair set a solid foundation for local partnerships focused on sustainability.

Exhibitors at the TRIP & RCHR Green Fair

Thank you to eLot recycling and 3N Document Destruction for generously providing free electronics recycling and personal document shredding.

TRIP & RCHR would also like to sincerely thank all of the exhibitors at our Sustainability Info Expo. Information about solar energy, saving money on energy efficiency upgrades, composting, aquaponics, household products to minimize water and energy waste, responsible consumerism, and healthy living were provided by:

• American Chemical 
• Arbonne International
• Citizens Bank
• Cornell Cooperative Extension
• Dept. of Public Service
• Empire Solar Store
• Habitat for Humanity
• NYSERDA
• Pfeil's Hardware and Paint
• Real Goods Solar
• Rensselaer County
• Rose Garden Domes
• Transition Troy
• Troy Shares

Cafe Deli-icious also attended, selling beverages and locally-made treats.

Thank you to everyone who attended; we look forward to seeing you again at future events.

Green and Sustainability Tips from TRIP

Bins from 3N Document Destruction

Learning about responsible cleaning products

To see more pictures from the Green Fair, visit www.triponline.org/TRIPandRCHRGreenFair2012.html and/or www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151127239264678.450307.48674229677&type=3

The TRIP & RCHR Green Fair was organized in partnership with Rensselaer County and the City of Troy and was underwritten by Citizens Bank Foundation.

Statewide Neighborhood Revitalization Conference: Strengthening Neighborhoods Strengthens New York

The first annual Statewide Neighborhood Revitalization Conference is almost here! Will you be there?

On September 21st and 22nd, Troy will host this grassroots community event bringing in neighborhood advocates from all over New York State. The conference will be held at Russell Sage College in Troy.

On Friday night, mingle with people from different communities and attend a keynote speech from writer, speaker, and local activist James Kunstler, author of The Long Emergency and The Geography of Nowhere. This event is free and open to the public.

Registration for workshops and discussions on Saturday, the 22nd, is open at www.nyneighborhoods.org. The day's events will start early with breakfast and another keynote speech, this time from housing, planning, and community development advocate and scholar Alan Mallach, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution. Following will be a large panel discussion and breakout workshops with community leaders from across New York State.

This conference is sure to energize all who attend to return to their communities with new ideas and renewed passion!

Don't Forget to Bring Your Old Electronics to the TRIP & RCHR Green Fair, 9/29

On September 29th, from 9 AM - 1 PM, in the Troy Marina Parking lot (just north of the Green Island Bridge), TRIP & RCHR will host our first Green Fair. Underwritten by Citizens Bank Foundation and in partnership with Rensselaer County and the City of Troy, TRIP & RCHR will host eLot Recycling and local organizations providing an array of Capital Region eco-knowledge.

Items that can be recycled for FREE include: batteries, cameras, cell phones, electronic toys, florescent light bulbs, lawn mowers, etc. For a full list of recyclable items visit: http://elotrecycling.com/.

** Note: for those recycling computers-- eLot will be accepting both computers that have already had their hard drives erased as well as those that will still need to be scrubbed.  When depositing your computer, there will be signs indicating which pallet to leave your machine on.  Computers still needing to be cleaned will be brought back to the eLot warehouse to have hard drives erased.

Statewide Neighborhood Revitalization Conference, Featuring James Kunstler and Alan Mallach

On September 21st and 22nd, Troy will hold the first annual Statewide Neighborhood Revitalization Conference, a grassroots effort to share information about community-building efforts throughout New York State. The conference will be held at Russell Sage College in Troy.

Things will kick off on Friday evening, Sept. 21st, with a free, open to the public  keynote address from famed writer, speaker, and local activist James Kunstler, author of The Long Emergency and The Geography of Nowhere.  You won't want to miss hearing his interesting perspective.  

Registration for workshops and discussions on Saturday, September 22nd, will open soon at http://nyneighborhoods.org/2012/. The day's events will start early with breakfast and another keynote speech this time from housing, planning, and community development advocate and scholar Alan Mallach, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution. Following will be a large panel discussion and breakout workshops on a variety of interesting topics with community leaders from across New York State.

If you would like to help out at this event, organizers are looking for volunteers! Please contact Dorcas Rose at icatroy@verizon.net for more information.

UPDATE: Registration for the Statewide Neighborhood Revitalization Conference is now open!  Visit http://nyneighborhoods.org/2012/registration/ to register for workshops.

Troy's National Night Out

Police-community solidarity brought out the crowds last Tuesday, August 7th. Troy celebrated National Night Out with plenty of food and fun while educating residents about the importance of coming together against crime.

The North Troy event was held at the 10th Street pocket park and offered important community information as well as a Bouncy Bounce and airbrush tattoos!

Down in South Troy, residents gathered at the Burden Iron Works Museum for live music, a clown making balloon animals, and a meatball eating contest!

Troy police officers were in high attendance at both events offering tours of the Mobile Command Center vehicles.

National Night Out is a popular, annual event, and 2012 did not disappoint. One resident of the Hillside North neighborhood summed up the event nicely saying "It's great to see everyone out. We never had anything like this when I was young, and it's nice to see people coming together..."

Deeper Shades of Green: TRIP & RCHR Green Fair, September 29th

Do you have a pile of old electronics taking up space in your house or garage? Have you ever considered home composting? And what's the deal with solar energy?

All of these questions and more will be answered at TRIP & RCHR's first annual Green Fair on Saturday, September 29, 2012 at the Troy Marina Parking Lot (just north of the Green Island Bridge). Underwritten by Citizens Bank Foundation and in partnership with Rensselaer County and the City of Troy, TRIP & RCHR will host eLot Recycling and local organizations providing an array of Capital Region eco-knowledge. Invited groups include Cornell Cooperative Extension, Real Goods Solar, Transition Troy, Troy Shares, CEO, Troy Bike Rescue, Habitat for Humanity, and others.

The Green Fair will run from 9am - 1pm and is open to the public. eLot will be accepting "almost anything that plugs in" for free recycling while other groups and agencies will offer information and demonstrations at our educational expo.

Organizations interested in exhibiting at this event may contact Mary at TRIP, mary@triponline.org or (518) 272-8289 x213.

We hope to see you there!

Volunteers Needed for National Night Out

Do you want to help promote community/police partnerships in Troy? Both North and South Troy are hosting National Night Out events, and organizers are looking for volunteers!

If you would like to know more about Troy's National Night Out plans or are interested in volunteering please contact :
North Troy-- Claire at TRIP, claire@triponline.org or (518) 272-8289 x213.
South Troy-- Jane Snay of the Burden Iron Works Neighborhood Association, frinz40@hotmail.com

To learn more about National Night Out visit http://www.nationaltownwatch.org/nno/

Promote Your Community, Write a "Troy's Treasures" Column

Does your neighborhood have great programs happening? Do you know of a compelling, historical Troy figure or story that you want to share? Want to publicize or report on a neighborhood event? Share your story through the "Troy's Treasures" column!

"Troy's Treasures" is published in the Troy Record every other Sunday. Any Troy resident is welcome to write a column promoting the positive programs, events, history, etc. happening in his or her neighborhood. If you would like to write a column or have an idea for an article, contact Claire Pitts at TRIP and sign up for a publication date. Claire can be reached by phone at (518) 272-8289 x213 or email her at claire@triponline.org.

To read past "Troy's Treasures" articles click here: http://triponline.org/news_and_events/TroyTreasuresArticles.html.

Statewide Neighborhood Conference Scheduled, September 21-22, 2012

Thanks to the vision of local business owner Rocco DeFazio and the efforts of a hardworking team of city residents, Troy is proud to host the first New York State Neighborhood Revitalization Conference on September 21st and 22nd at Russell Sage College. This conference will bring together neighborhood activists, educators, business people, and elected officials to share successes and develop strategies to maintain healthy communities. Throughout the conference, attendees will hear from and work with diverse neighborhood leaders and activists from across the state, including keynote speakers Alan Mallach and James Kunstler.

For more information or to assist, please see the initial announcement at www.nyneighborhoods.org/announcement and/or visit the website, www.nyneighborhoods.org.

Out of Sight, Out of Mind -- Hide Your Car's Valuables

Police Chief Tedesco reported at May 9th's TNAC (Troy Neighborhoods Action Council) meeting that there have been a number of car break-ins recently. He asked that everyone put all their valuables-- including power cords-- out of sight and make sure to lock their cars. If police see that your valuables are in open view, they may leave you a flyer advising you to remove them from sight.