McKownville
Improvement Association
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announcement emails sent to subscribers by the Association.
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26 April 2024 - Rapp Road to close for construction on 29 April for about
two weeks
Dear McKownville Neighbors: Ken Kovalchik, the Town Plannner, has
informed us that “On Monday, April 29th the section of Rapp
Road in the Town of Guilderland, from Gipp Road to Crossgates Mall
Road, will close for construction for approximately 2 weeks. The
purpose for the closure is to construct the realignment of Rapp Road
to connect with Crossgates Mall Road.” See this
information page (pdf) for a map and more detailed
explanation.
Ellen Manning, President, McKownville Improvement Association
23 April 2024 - Results of Referendum on new Firehouse
Dear McKownville neighbors: Tonight, by a wide majority,
participants in the bond referendum regarding the construction of a
new firehouse on the site of the current building voted in favor of
the proposal. The volunteers of the McKownville Fire Department want
to extend their sincere thanks and gratitude to all of the residents
of McKownville for your support tonight and throughout the years. [Altamont
Enterprise article]
Updates on the project may be found on the department's website.
Ellen Manning, President, McKownville Improvement Association
22 April 2024 - Reminder - Referendum on new Firehouse, April 23 from 6pm
to 9pm
Dear McKownville neighbors: Please remember to cast your vote on the
bond referendum regarding the proposed new firehouse for the
McKownville Fire District. Voting will take place this Tuesday
evening, April 23, at the current firehouse, located at 1250 Western
Avenue, beginning at 6:00 PM and ending at 9:00 PM. You may
find full details about the proposal at McKownville
Fire Department's website or by calling (518) 489-4340.
Ellen Manning, President, McKownville Improvement Association
21 April 2024 - Water issues on properties near Fuller Road
Dear McKownville neighbors: Recently, I have heard from a number of
neighbors with concerns about increasing water issues at their homes
on and near Fuller Road. David Knight, a resident of Mercer Street,
asked me to share his concerns in hopes that residents with similar
problems might work together and try to resolve these issues.
Please see the text of his email below, and contact him directly if
appropriate.
Ellen Manning, President, McKownville Improvement Association
"My sump pump has been working overtime this year. I know it
has been a wet year. But I'm starting to suspect the Nano
campus stormwater system is not working as designed and
planned. It was supposed to absorb a 50 year storm. Maybe this
has been that year. But, I suspect that the system has not been
properly maintained since it was put in place (about 10 years ago)
and they might have added more water to it.
Anybody interested in helping me figure it out?"
David Knight, 11 Mercer Street <dknight at albany dot edu>
10 April 2024 - Reminder: MIA meeting this Thursday 11 April at the Hampton
Inn
Dear McKownville neighbors: Please remember to join us at the
Hampton Inn on Thursday evening beginning at 7:00. We have
several items on the agenda, starting with announcements from Town
Supervisor Peter Barber; a presentation about the native plant
garden that will be installed at Unity Lutheran Church; information
about Guilderland Town-Wide Cleanup Day, and and an opportunity to
meet with newly-elected Highway Superintendent Bob Haver.
I hope to see you there!
Ellen Manning, President, McKownville Improvement Association
2 April 2024 - Presidential
Primary Day is today, April 2nd
Dear McKownville voters:Today is Presidential Primary Day in New
York State. All voters who are registered in either the
Democratic or Republican parties are eligible to vote. Polls
are open until 9:00 p.m.
You may find further information and view the sample ballots on the
Albany County Board of Elections website.
Ellen Manning, President, McKownville Improvement Association
26 March 2024 - Reminder: Firehouse
referendum is Tuesday, April 23rd, from 6-9 pm
Dear McKownville neighbors: This is to remind you that the bond
referendum regarding the proposed new firehouse that was originally
planned to take place this evening has been rescheduled for Tuesday,
April 23, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
If you have any questions regarding the proposed building project,
please check the McKownville Fire
Department's website.
Ellen Manning, President, McKownville Improvement Association
24 March 2024 - Power outages
Dear McKownville neighbors: If you are among the many Guilderland
residents whose homes lost power as a result of Saturday's storm, I
hope you are finding ways to stay safe. Several fire stations are
open to residents seeking warmth and a break from frigid conditions
at home. Details and updates may be found on the Town's
website:
https://www.townofguilderland.org/AlertCenter.aspx?AID=Springtime-Snowstorm-Update-10
Please share this information with neighbors who may not have access
to the Internet at this time. Thank you,
Ellen Manning, President, McKownville Improvement Association
18 March 2024 - Bethlehem Compost and Rain
Barrel Sale
Dear McKownville neighbors: A neighbor kindly sent me information
about this opportunity to purchase backyard composting equipment and
related items for your gardens at bulk sale prices. Capital District
residents are invited to place orders by April 19, and items must be
picked up on Saturday, April 20 at designated locations in Bethlehem
and Colonie. Full details may be found here: https://capitaldistrict.compostersale.com/bethlehem/
Ellen Manning, President, McKownville Improvement Association
12 March 2024 - Reminder: MIA meeting this
Thursday at the McKFD Firehouse
Dear McKownville neighbors: This is to remind you that our March 14
meeting will be held at the McKownville Firehouse beginning at
7:00 p.m., instead of our usual location at the Hampton Inn.
It will be an interesting evening, with updates from Town Supervisor
Peter Barber, and featured speakers Melissa Hale-Spencer and Albany
County Legislator Mickey Cleary.
I hope you'll be able to join us.
Ellen Manning, President, McKownville Improvement Association
3 March 2024 - McKownville Fire Department
Upcoming Events
Dear McKownville neighbors: I received the following message from
Michael Wren, a Commissioner with the all volunteer McKownville Fire
Department.
I hope that you will be able to attend the very important
informational meeting at the firehouse on March 19th.
Ellen Manning, President, McKownville Improvement Association
From Michael Wren:
"A quick note to let you know of three important dates coming up
related to the McKownville Volunteer Fire Department.
We will be holding our second public information meeting about the
proposed firehouse on Tuesday, March 19 starting at 7pm at
the firehouse at 1250 Western Avenue. Expect to see an informational
flier, which will be sent to all households in the McKownville Fire
District, before this meeting. Similar to our first meeting, H2M,
our architect and design consultant, along with members of our new
firehouse committee will be available to answer any questions our
neighbors might have about the new firehouse project. An
Altamont Enterprise article about our first meeting can be read here.
Following this public information meeting, on Tuesday, March 26 from
6-9pm we will be holding the bond referendum vote at
the firehouse at 1250 Western Avenue. We urge all registered voters
residing within the McKownville Fire District to stop by the
firehouse to attend the public meeting and vote on this referendum.
PLEASE NOTE - referendum
date has been changed to Tuesday,
April 23rd
Then on Saturday, April 13th, the Fire Department will be
hosting another spring neighborhood cleanup. Our cleanup
last spring was such a success (despite the lousy weather), we
decided to do it again. Any neighbors wanting to help our
members pick up trash and debris along the side of the roadways and
sidewalks of McKownville should meet at the firehouse at 1250
Western Avenue at 9am. Trash bags, trash grabbers, coffee and
roadside assignments will be provided. Many hands make light
work, we hope to see you there!"
1 March 2024 - March 14 Meeting at the
McKownville Firehouse; meeting announcement home delivery
Dear McKownville neighbors: Our March 14 meeting will be held at the
McKownville Firehouse, located at 1250 Western Avenue. Our
speakers will be Town Supervisor Peter Barber, Albany County
Legislator Mickey Cleary, and Melissa Hale-Spencer, editor of the
Altamont Enterprise. Our April 11 and May 15 meetings will
take place at the Hampton Inn, as has been the custom for many
years. We thank the McKownville Fire Department for graciously
hosting the March meeting!
As you know, a group of volunteers faithfully deliver the meeting
announcements to all of the homes in McKownville, and their efforts
are very much appreciated. This month we extend special thanks to
Alyssa and Maureen O'Connor who for the past several years delivered
the flyers to homes on Mercer Street and Fuller Road. They have let
me know that they will no longer be able to do the deliveries, and
that will leave an opening for one or two additional people who
would like to get some exercise and help us out at the same
time. If that might be you, please send me an email or give me
a call at (518) 482-3779.
Best wishes, Ellen Manning, President, McKownville Improvement
Association
9 February 2024 - Guilderland Comprehensive
Plan Update Committee open house
Dear McKownville neighbors: This Monday, February 12, from 7:00 to
9:00 PM, the Guilderland Comprehensive Plan Update Committee will
host an open house at Guilderland Town Hall. All residents are
invited to to share their thoughts on the Committee's preliminary
draft recommendations. There will be no formal presentation.
Instead, you will have the opportunity to visit each activity
station and post your input there. An activity station for
children will also be available.
This is an opportunity to participate in planning Guilderland's path
forward over the next twenty years, and I hope to see many of you
there.
More information about this important event may be found on
the Town website.
Ellen Manning, President, McKownville Improvement Association
18 January 2024 - McKownville Volunteer
Fire Department invites you to a Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser this
Saturday, January 20
The McKownville Volunteer Fire Department invites you to a Spaghetti
Dinner fundraiser this Saturday, January 20, 2024 starting at 6PM at
the firehouse at 1250 Western Avenue. Cost will be $10 per adult,
and $5 for the kiddos.
In addition to the tasty food, we will also be raffling prizes
donated by our generous local businesses: Mr. Fuji Sushi, Starbucks
(Western Avenue), 21 Boom, Fiorello’s Bakery and Deli, and Bountiful
Bread. This event is made possible thanks to an additional
contribution from our friends at Stuyvesant Plaza and Shabbos House.
Your support helps fund open houses, and other neighborhood
engagement activities (including, but not limited to: Neighborhood
BBQs, family friendly Halloween parties, Touch-a-Truck events, a
Santa run around the district, and numerous birthday parades for
children residing in the McKownville Fire District). These donations
also help the department participate in parades and other firematic
events throughout the year.
If you would like to offer a prize to raffle or to make a donation,
please reach out via email: McKFDfundraising@gmail.com
Thank you, McKownville FD Fundraising Committee
--------------------------------------------
15 February 2022 - Plant McKownville
Dear McKownville neighbors: Our
neighborhood holds many attractions: lovely homes in a convenient
location, agreeable neighbors, and access to excellent schools. In
addition to these features, many of us were drawn here by streets
lined with mature trees that provide cooling shade during the summer
months and year-round beauty. Over the years, though, we have
lost many of our trees through the aging process, and others due to
a variety of adverse conditions.
With the goal of preserving and enhancing the beauty of our
streetscape, a resident volunteer has compiled lists of trees and
shrubs that can thrive in our neighborhood. You may view these
lists and a wealth of accompanying information by clicking on this link.
We hope that you'll find these materials interesting, and that
you'll consider planting a new tree this year. If you already
have a healthy tree (or two) on the street lawn in front of your
house perhaps you'll be intrigued by the thought of planting a new
tree or shrub in your yard that will attract birds and
pollinators. Native plants are especially important because
they are hosts to so many pollinators that are vital in supporting a
healthy ecosystem. Spring is season of renewal, and an excellent
time for planting a tree or shrub that can enjoyed now and by future
residents of McKownville. We're just at the start of what we
expect to be a long-term new project for the McKownville Improvement
Association and, we hope, for the neighborhood as a whole. You may
count on hearing more from us on this subject over the coming
months!
Ellen Manning, President, McKownville Improvement Association
Older announcements from March-December 2020
January-December
2021 January-December
2022 January-December
2023
Past meeting announcements
Fall 2020 - 10
September 2020 19
November 2020
Spring 2020 - 21
May 2020
Fall 2019 - 19 September 2019
17 October 2019
21 November 2019
Spring 2019 - 14 March
2019 11
April 2019 16
May 2019 12
June 2019
Fall 2018 - 20 September 2018
17 October 2018
15 November 2018
Spring 2018 - 15 March
2018 11
April 2018 17
May 2018
Fall 2017 - 19 October 2017
8 November 2017
Spring 2017 - 16 March
2017 20
April 2017 18 May 2017
meetings in years prior to 2017
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