Waverly Place

McKownville Improvement Association

- Announcements in 2020
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This page includes content and/or links to pages of announcement emails sent to subscribers by the Association in 2020. [Recent announcements]

15 December - Town declares State of Emergency; tonight’s Town Board meeting agenda
Dear McKownville Neighbors: Due to the increasing numbers of Covid-19 cases in our area, the Town declared a State of Emergency yesterday.
For the next 30 days, or until further notice, Town offices will be closed to the public and and all meetings will be held remotely online. [Town announcement - pdf file]

Click on this link [pdf file - 6MB, 80 pages] to see the agenda for tonight's Town Board meeting. One agenda item of possible interest to all Guilderland residents is the conversion of street lights to LED lighting.  If you have any questions for the Town Board members on this topic, please call in during the public comment period.
I have been told that the public access television channels will not be available tonight.  However, you may view public meetings online via the Town website, and call in during the public comment period by dialing (518) 579-3721.  For further instructions see page 1 of the agenda.
Ellen Manning, President, McKownville Improvement Association

5 December - Attempted burglary from garage
Dear McKownville Neighbors: Between 5:00 and 6:00 p.m. on Friday a resident on Parkwood Steet spotted someone in his garage and went outside to see who it was.  He found there a man wearing a ski mask and shining a flashlight into the car that was parked inside the garage.  When discovered, the intruder ran off.  Happily, no one was hurt and no property damage or theft occurred. Episodes of items being stolen from unlocked vehicles are not uncommon in our neighborhood.  However, yesterday's incident goes beyond the more common crimes of opportunity. Please take this as a reminder to keep your cars and doors locked, and pass this information along to your neighbors as many do not subscribe to receive these emails. As always, report any suspicious activities to the Guilderland Police by calling 911.
Ellen Manning, President, McKownville Improvement Association

19 November - Online meeting tonight
Dear McKownville Neighbors: Please remember to join us for our November meeting this evening at 7:00.  If you have not yet received the meeting announcement , it's posted on the Meetings page of our website. Instructions for joining the meeting are included on the announcement distributed to houses in McKownville; a link for this access information will be posted on Meetings page of the website this afternoon.
Ellen Manning, President, McKownville Improvement Association

30 October -  Halloween Party at the McKownville Fire Department
 Dear McKownville neighbors: Here is some additional information about the Halloween party at the McKownvillle firehouse. The party will be held in the parking lot on Saturday from 6-8 pm.  In addition to socially-distanced activites, the evening will include a photobooth and Halloween movies.  The event has been planned to be both enjoyable and COVID safe. Anyone who has questions or concerns may call Molly Maguire at (414) 628-8638 or email her at: [mcguire.molly  at  gmail  dot  com]
Ellen Manning, President, McKownville Improvement Association

27 October -  Halloween Party at the McKownville Fire Department; Town Planning Board public hearing on proposed development on Rapp Road
Dear McKownville Neighbors: Annual Halloween Party at the McKownville Fire Department. Covid-19 need not prevent our neighborhood children from enjoying Halloween this year, and the Fire Department is providing a safe alternative to door-to-door trick-or-treating.  Bring your Trick-or-Treaters to the firehouse parking lot this Saturday from 6-8 pm for some contactless Halloween fun.
Proposed Rapp Road Residential Development: At 7:00 p.m.. on Wednesday, October 28, the Guilderland Town Planning Board will hold a public hearing on the proposed 222 unit development on Rapp Road. For details about the project, and information on how to join the meeting, follow this link.
Best wishes, Ellen Manning, President, McKownville Improvement Association

13 October - Online meeting; storm debris
Dear McKownville Neighbors: Please remember to join us for our October meeting this Thurday at 7:00.  If you have not yet received the meeting announcement, it's posted on the Meetings page of our website. Instructions for joining the meeting are included on the announcement distributed to houses in McKownville; a link for this access information will be posted on Meetings page of the website this Thursday afternoon.
If your property sustained damage from last week's storm and you still have the resultant debris, Town Supervisor included the following information in his October 8 online update: "To help the Highway Department with its storm clean-up, please keep your storm debris separate from your leaf piles.  Also, there is no need to tie or bundle storm debris.  Please place your storm debris and leaf piles at the edge of your lawn and not on the road.  You can help Highway workers by keeping stormwater drains clear of storm debris and leaf  piles." The first of the annual leaf collection dates for McKownville is scheduled for October 27th;  the second date is November 25th.
Best wishes, Ellen Manning, President, McKownville Improvement Association

29 Sept - Campaign Signs and Cars
Dear McKownville Neighbors: In what seems to be an annual occurrence, I learned recently that items have been stolen from a number of unlocked cars in our neighborhood.  Additionally, campaign lawn signs have been stolen, and others have been vandalized. 
Please be sure to lock your cars, especially overnight.  If you see any suspicious activity call the Guilderland Police Department at (518) 356-1501.  Of course, in an emergency call 911.
It will be very helpful if you will share this information with your neighbors, as many still do not subscribe to our email distribution list.
Ellen Manning, President, McKownville Improvement Association

22 September - Summary of September 10 meeting
Dear McKownville Neighbors: Forty-six people participated in our September 10 Zoom meeting.  For those of you who were not able to join us, here is a brief summary:
Supervisor Peter Barber started off the meeting by telling us about the procedures for turning in materials for the hazardous waste collection day that was held on September 19th.  For future events, please keep in mind that cans of latex paint should be allowed to dry out and then placed in your household trash.  He also reminded us that until further notice a watering ban remains in effect except for hand-watering of flower and vegetable gardens.  However, residents who need to use sprinklers to water lawns that were restored as a part of the drainage improvement project should contact Tim McIntyre, Superintendent of the Water Department, at (518) 356-1980.
The Supervisor went on to stress that contactless school tax payments may be made by mail, or by placing the payments in a secure green mailbox located in front of Town Hall.  Receipts will be mailed to you.  He also reminded us that our schools are running on staggered schedules, so we can expect to see buses on the roads throughout the day.  Never pass buses when flashers are on, even on school grounds.
Following a presentation from Martha Harausz showing existing conditions in the environs of 1230 Western Avenue,  we heard from Mitchell Korte about Collegiate Development Group's proposal to construct a five-story residential and retail structure on that site, now occupied by the Days Inn and the closed Dunkin Donuts property.  If approved, the project would consist of 152 units, with a total of 420 bedrooms and 172 below-grade parking spaces.  Students would be the most likely tenants, but occupancy would not be limited to students. However, we were told that the space would not be designed for family living. The building would be fully secure, with management on-site 24 hours a day. Monthly rents would range from $800 to $1,300 per bedroom, and parking spaces would rent for $43.00 per month.  As would be expected, many questions and concerns were raised regarding how such a large project would impact neighboring property owners, traffic, and parking along Arcadia and Upper Hillcrest.  I don't know if Collegiate Development Group (CDG) is going to pursue this project.  If they do, it is important that all concerned residents stay informed and involved from the outset.  Please see GDG's summary description of the proposed project [5.5MB pdf file] that is posted in this website.
Toward the end of the meeting, Biagio DelVillano of Delaware Engineering provided an update on the drainage improvement project.  National Grid is still awaiting permits from NYS DOT to install new gas lines on some of the streets in McKownville.  It is still possible that could be completed this year.  Installation of the new storm water lines cannot begin until the gas lines are in. We can expect work on the storm water lines to commence sometime during the 2021 construction season. 
Many thanks to Delaware Engineering for hosting the Zoom meeting again this month!
Ellen Manning, President, McKownville Improvement Association

22 September - Cat found on Elmwood Street
21 elmwood tabby thumbnail imageDear McKownville Neighbors: A week or two ago Emily Garbenis found a very friendly cat living under her porch and hanging around in her yard at 21 Elmwood Street.
Short brown hair with tabby (M shaped) marking on forehead, and characteristic darker tabby stripes, smallish in size; very friendly.
If you have any leads on where this cat belongs please get in touch with Emily:- [garbee dot rpi at gmail dot com] (610) 235-7354
Ellen Manning, President, McKownville Improvement Association



9 September - online meeting 10 September
Dear McKownville Neighbors:
If you can, please join us for tomorrow evening's meeting of the McKownville Improvement Association.
Information for joining the Zoom meeting will be posted on the Meetings page as a separate PDF file tomorrow.
A marketing brochure from the developer who is proposing to build student housing at 1230 Western Avenue can be accessed through a link on the Meetings page
The presentation at the meeting by the developer will provide an excellent opportunity to see and respond to the proposed plan.  This, along with the other items on the agenda, will make for an important and informative meeting.
I hope to see you online. Ellen Manning, President, McKownville Improvement Association

29 August - Update 29 August - lawn watering
Dear McKownville Neighbors:
Today the Town of Guilderland announced an emergency outdoor watering ban for all purposes except for hand-held watering of flower and vegetable gardens. 
Please note, however, that Town Supervisor Peter Barber sent me an email asking that I let you know that residents whose lawns are being restored by Bast Hatfield's subcontractor may hand-water the newly planted lawns as needed.  In special situations where hand-watering is not practical, please call Water Superintendent Tim McIntyre at (518) 456-6474 on weekdays between 7:30 am and 3:30 pm.
Additionally, County Legislator Mickey Cleary stopped by my house this evening with the same information, and he requested that those residents with the newly planted lawns supplement the evening waterings that are being done by the subcontractor with a morning watering.  The new lawns are beginning to grow now, and consistent watering is essential until they are well established.
Finally, because there are still many residents who do not subscribe to receive these email notifications it will be very helpful if you will share this information with your neighbors.
Best wishes, Ellen Manning, President, McKownville Improvement Association

20 August - Update 20 August; lawn watering; little free library; neighborhood disturbances; September 10 online meeting
Dear McKownville Neighbors:
Lawn watering: If you live on a street affected by the water line and drainage improvement projects you have probably noticed the Mazurowski Hydroseeding truck on its nightly watering rounds these past few days.  Today I was notified by Bast Hatfield that a notice with detailed watering recommendations would be delivered to each affected household.  The notice [pdf document] is posted in this website.  Please note that it is important that the newly seeded areas be kept consistently moist, especially with the anticipated return of hot weather over the next several days, and homeowners will need to supplement the nightly waterings until the new lawns are well established.
Little Free Library: Since my last email Jenika Conboy has noticed an uptick in visits to the Free Little Library in front of her house at 25 Brookwood Avenue.  For those of you on Facebook, Jenika would like you to know that she posts occasional updates on available books, and literary events in our area. Jenika also invites emails regarding her Free Little Library at [brookwoodfllibrary at gmail dot com].
Neighborhood disturbances: Last weekend, in the early morning hours, some residents were awakened by a noisy and crowded party in the neighborhood. In addition to disturbing the peace, gatherings like the one that occurred over the weekend pose a potential for spreading the Covid-19 virus. If any such event is repeated, please call the Guilderland Police Department. The non-emergency number is (518) 356-1501. In an emergency, dial 911.
Online meeting September 10: The next meeting of the McKownville Improvement Association is scheduled for September 10, beginning at 7:00 p.m. Due to Covid-19, for the foreseeable future all Association meetings will be conducted online via Zoom. I have learned that a private developer has an interest in building student housing on the former TraveLodge/Dunkin' Donuts site on Western Avenue.  The proposed plan will be presented at this meeting. Other speakers on September 10 will include representatives from Delaware Engineering, who will update us on the drainage improvement project; and representatives from UAlbany, who will speak to us about  on-campus activities and construction projects, among other topics.  You may expect full details on the meeting agenda to be delivered to your homes and via email during the week prior to the meeting. I hope you will join us. In the meantime, I hope you are all well.
Best wishes, Ellen Manning, President, McKownville Improvement Association

3 August - Update 3 August; lawn restoration; little free library; future online meetings
Dear McKownville neighbors: I hope you are all well. The following is a brief update from the Association.
Lawn restoration:
Bast Hatfield has prepared a notice regarding restoration of lawns that were disturbed during the course of work performed in our neighborhood over the past two years.  The notice will be hand-delivered to the affected households later this week, but you can view and print the pdf document here: [link].
If you wish to discuss details of the work that is to be performed on your lawn please contact Mr. A.J. Lomnes, Executive Vice President of Bast Hatfield, by email: [AJLomnes at BastHatfield dot com]
Little Free Library:
McKownville has a new Little Free Library.!  It is located in front of 25 Brookwood Avenue, and all are welcome to stop by to select your next great read, or to drop off a book for others to enjoy.  The library makes a very nice destination for a walk around the neigbhorhood. I stopped by there this evening and I can attest first hand that there are some excellent books to choose from.  Many thanks to Jenika Conboy for providing this lovely resource for our community.
Future meetings online:
Our May 21 Zoom meeting was well attended, with 50 participants taking part. As we won't be able to meet at the Hampton Inn for the foreseeable future, the Association will resume online meetings in September.  As soon as we have confirmed the date we will let you know the particulars.  In the meantime, I hope that you enjoy the remainder of the summer.
Best wishes, Ellen Manning, President, McKownville Improvement Association

23 July - Update 23 July for the water/storm drainage project; and for gas lines replacement
Dear McKownville Neighbors: I hope you are staying well and enjoying this very different summer season.  
Bast Hatfield has largely wound down their work on the water and storm sewer projects but that does not mean that they have been released from responsibility for any work that remains incomplete or unsatisfactory.  If you have outstanding issues please contact Biagio DelVillano at Delaware Engineering and he will liaison with Bast Hatfield. His contact info is: Office:  (518) 452-1290, ext. 100; Cell:  (518) 610-2447; Email: bdelvillano at delawareengineering dot com
I know that many of you are frustrated about the conditions of the lawns that were affected by the construction work that has taken place in our neighborhood over the past two years. Biagio continues to assure me that  Delaware Engineering has a subcontractor working on a plan to restore the lawns, and we can expect further information on that later in the summer.
The latest update from National Grid on the installation of the new gas lines on streets north of Western Avenue, and east of Fuller Road, indicates that work will start in August, at the earliest. I have requested that we be given some prior notification.
Best wishes, Ellen Manning, President, McKownville Improvement Association

3 July - Update 1 July for the water/storm drainage project
Dear McKownville Neighbors: Best wishes for a happy and healthy Independence Day.
The latest update from Delaware Engineering regarding the cleanup and restoration work now being performed by Bast Hatfield is below. Also: [printable pdf]
Ellen Manning, President, McKownville Improvement Association
Update from Delaware Engineering: July 1, 2020
Due to the recent rain, Covid 19 risks, and other Bast Hatfield related delays, the contractor will not be finished until next week, July 9th, 2020. The remaining restoration work includes some small areas of sidewalk replacements and landscape plantings.
However, this new completion date does not mean that Bast Hatfield is being released from their contractual obligations to establish acceptable lawn restorations at all properties affected by the Water and Storm Sewer Projects. This work will be scheduled for a later date and the schedule for this work will be sent forward once we have a solid plan. For the lawn restorations, Bast Hatfield has now hired a subcontractor that specializes in lawn renewals to analyze lawns in the project area and then prepare a plan that should establish hearty, healthy, acceptable turf. The lawn restoration plan will include the removal of weeds that have grown were lawns should be. Delaware Engineering will review the proposed plan and respond accordingly.
To help ease concerns a bit we would like everyone to know that from an engineering perspective, Delaware has taken composite samples of the soils that were placed by Bast Hatfield. These samples were taken from all streets in the project area. The samples were collected a few weeks ago and were submitted to a laboratory for analysis. Prior to Delaware commenting on Bast Hatfield’s subcontractor’s plan for recreating turf, we will examine the data from the topsoil analysis in an effort to help determine the best path forward. Unfortunately, again due to Corona 19, the soil laboratory’s work log is backed up so we are still awaiting the soils analysis.
We will provide additional information as soon as we have a solid plan for the final portions of lawn restorations.
Hope you and all of the residents of McKownville are well and have a safe, healthy and enjoyable holiday weekend. Best regards, Biagio.
Biagio DelVillano, Senior Construction Manager, Delaware Engineering, D.P.C.

12 June - Update 12 June for the water/storm drainage project; and for gas lines replacement
Dear McKownville Neighbors: Water and Storm drainage project
The projected completion date for Bast Hatfield's remaining contract work is now July 2, 2020.   
Asphalt restorations will continue through Tuesday, June 16th. This includes all driveway restorations.
Remaining catch basin and manhole internal work will begin Wednesday, June 17, and continue through July 2.  No excavations will be required. 
Lawn restorations continue, and will be monitored.  Please note that Delaware Engineering now recommends that in the absence of sufficient rainfall, lawns that have been hydroseeded as part of the restoration work for the Water and Storm Sewer project be thoroughly watered at least once daily until the new lawns are well established.  Although the Town's usual seasonal watering restrictions went into effect on May 1, those lawns restored as part of this project may be watered daily.  Morning watering is most effective, but early evening watering will also be allowed.  If possible, please adhere to the recommended hours of 6:30 am to 8:00 am and 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm if you use sprinklers to water your lawn. Hand-held watering devices may be used at any time.
New gas lines - National Grid continues to work on drawings in preparation for installing new gas lines on: the north side of Western Avenue east of Fuller Road, Elmwood, Parkwood, Glenwood, Norwood, Waverly Place, and Knowles Terrace. On site work is expected to commence no earlier than July, and the start date may not be until sometime in August.
I hope you are well. Sincerely, Ellen Manning, President, McKownville Improvement Association

31 May - Absentee Ballot Applications; vote by mail
Dear McKownville Neighbors: Memorial Day has just passed but we can always find ways to respect our war dead.  Perhaps the most fundamental way is to vote.  If you are not going to cast your vote at your polling place this year please be sure to vote by absentee ballot.
The Albany County Board of Elections has mailed Absentee Ballot Applications for the upcoming June 23rd primary to all eligible voters.  Applications sent by mail must be postmarked no later than June 16th.
If you have not received an application, or for information about other ways to submit your application, please visit the Albany County Board of Elections website.
Please remember that every election is important and every vote counts. Ellen Manning, President, McKownville Improvement Association

29 May - restoration grass seed watering
Dear McKownville Neighbors: Yesterday I received an email from Biagio Delvillano regarding the proper care of lawn areas that have been recently hydroseeded as part of the clean up and restoration work that is being performed by Bast Hatfield.  Best wishes, Ellen Manning, President, McKownville Improvement Association
Good afternoon Ellen,
I’ve spoken with Jessie Fraine who is one of our environmental engineers. Jessie stated that new grass is most susceptible to drying right after it germinates. We suggest that the newly hydro-seeded lawns be thoroughly watered at a minimum of every other day but if possible, every day during either early morning, or late afternoon. The watering should be kept up until a substantial growth has taken root.
We are having Bast Hatfield water the lawns now but at some point they will be gone so help watering from McKownville property owners is greatly appreciated and will no doubt help to keep the neighborhoods green. Jessie will be touring the neighborhoods today or tomorrow to get a better feel for the conditions. If he feels something different than what I have explained here is necessary then we’ll be sure to pass that information forward. Thanks to you and to all the McKownville folks for asking about, and helping with the watering. Best regards, Biagio.
Biagio DelVillano, Senior Construction Manager, Delaware Engineering, D.P.C.

21 May - online meeting summary
Dear McKownville Neighbors: Fifty people participated in our online Zoom meeting tonight.  Here are some of the items that were discussed:

County Legislator Mickey Cleary announced that the County has a large number of washable masks available to the public, in packets of two. If you are interested, Mickey will be in the parking lot of the Across the Street Pub this Saturday from 11:00 a.m to 12:00 noon. He will also have some spray bottles of hand santizer available.  If you can't pick up the items on Saturday you can arrange to get them from Mickey at another time.
You can reach him at (518) 858-2200 or by email at [mickeycleary1 at gmail dot com]

Town Supervisor Peter Barber told us that Town Hall may reopen on a limited basis on or around June 15, but access will be by invitation or appointment only. He expects that it will be some time before open public meetings will be held at Town Hall. However, residents can participate in the public meetings via telephone, and the
meetings are televised live. Information about public meetings, other activities throughout the Town, including summer programs, and the Supervisor's daily updates can be found on the website: www.townofguilderland.org

Biagio Delvillano from Delaware Engineering told us that all of the new drinking water lines are in, with the exception of 500' along the alley that runs from Fuller Road to Parkwood Street. Storm water lines have been installed on McKown Road, Waverly Place and Knowles Terrace. Clean up and restoration work continues throughout the affected area. Delivery of hydroseed and asphalt restoration is expected to start on Wednesday, May 27. A new contractor will be hired for the installation of storm water lines on the remaining streets, and that phase of the project will take place next year.

Michael DiAcetis and Michael Bates from National Grid spoke about the installation of new gas lines. At the soonest, work will commence in early July. The affected streets are Elmwood, Parkwood, Glenwood, Norwood, Waverly, Knowles Terrace, and a portion of the north side of Western Avenue. The plan is to begin work on the most westerly streets, and continue eastward. Until Covid-19 restrictions are relaxed, workers will not enter any homes, and then entry will be by appointment only. There will be no costs for National Grid customers with existing gas service. 
**Anyone who does not now have gas service but who is considering getting it, this will be the most cost effective time to do so.**
National Grid will put together a fact sheet on the project. When completed, it will be posted on the Town website, and on this website.
Questions about the gas line project should be directed to Michael DiAcetis at [Michael.DiAcetis at nationalgrid dot com]

Best wishes, Ellen Manning, President McKownville Improvement Association

12 May - Upcoming meetings
Dear McKownville Neighbors: On Wednesday, May 13, beginning at 6:00 p.m., the Town of Guilderland Planning Board will commence a public hearing on the proposed Rapp Road development project. The meeting will be held electronically. For instructions on how to participate in or view the meeting, please link to the meeting agenda on the Town's website: (https://www.townofguilderland.org/sites/guilderlandny/files/agendas/may_13_2020_planning_board_agenda_1.pdf) Additionally, beginning at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 21, the McKownville Improvement Association will hold an electronic Zoom meeting hosted by Delaware Engineering. The agenda will include remarks from Guilderland Town Supervisor Peter Barber, updates on the clean up and restoration work being performed by Bast Hatfield as it phases out of the drainage and water improvement projects, and the upcoming installation of new gas lines by National Grid. Participants can join the meeting by computer or cell phone. Further details about the agenda and how to log into the meeting will be provided in a flyer that will be hand delivered to McKownville homes over the next several days. In the meantime, if you have any questions or concerns about the clean up and restoration work that is being done on your property or along your street, please contact Dale Nunamann, Construction Inspector for Delaware Engineering: [dnunamann at delawareengineering dot com]  Cell: (518) 231-3050

I hope you are well, and that you will join us in the meeting. Best wishes, Ellen Manning, President, McKownville Improvement Association


7 May 2020 - WellNow facility starting Covid-19 testing
Dear McKownville Neighbors: The Times Union reported on Wednesday that the WellNow urgent care facility at 1438 Western Avenue will be testing for COVID-19 during regular business hours: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.  For further details please go to this page at the Times-Union website: (link).
Ellen Manning, President McKownville Improvement Association

18 April 2020 - Update 18April for the water/storm drainage project
Dear McKownville Neighbors: A new update from Delaware Engineering on the McKownville drainage and water improvement projects is posted on our website.
The following is an excerpt from the document:
"We would like to provide clarification as to what is presently taking place in the way of lawn restorations for McKownville properties. The work that is currently occurring is cleanup only and is not final lawn restoration. Once the properties are cleaned and graded, then the topsoil, seed, and mulch installations will commence.
Next week we are scheduled to begin removing the large concrete structures from the McKownville neighborhoods with clean-up at those locations directly following. Then of course, appropriate restorations will occur in these locations as well."
If you have concerns about the manner in which the the cleanup and restoration work is being conducted on your property I encourage you to contact the following Delaware Engineering employees directly.  Calling their cell phone numbers is usually the best way to reach them.
Biagio DelVillano, Senior Construction Manager, Cell: 518-610-2447; [bdelvillano at delawareengineering dot com]
Dale Nunamann, Construction Inspector, Cell: (518) 231-3050; [dnunamann at delawareengineering dot com]
Please pass this information on to your neighbors who do not yet subscribe to to this list, and encourage them to sign themselves up to receive our emails at this page
Ellen Manning, President McKownville Improvement Association

10 April 2020 - Update for weeks 13 and 20 April for the water/storm drainage project
Dear McKownville Neighbors: Delaware Engineering has forwarded Bast Hatfield's work plan for their clean up and restoration work for the weeks of April 13 and April 20, now posted on this website. It will be very helpful if you will share this with neighbors who do not yet subscribe to our email list.  I expect it will be some time before the Town mails out the recent FAQ#6 sheet (Frequently Asked Questions) so perhaps you might direct non-subscribers to the website for that as well.
Best wishes. Ellen Manning, President McKownville Improvement Association

4 April 2020 - COVID-19 testing on the UAlbany campus
Dear McKownville Neighbors: Beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, April 6, the Colonial Quad parking lot in the northwest corner of the University campus will be utilized by New York State as a COVID-19 testing site.  The tests will be administered by appointment only; there will be no walk-up testing.  For more details, including the hours of operation and the traffic restrictions on campus, please go to this page on our website
Best wishes. Ellen Manning, President McKownville Improvement Association

4 April 2020 - Meeting scheduled for April 23 is cancelled
Due to the continued COVID-19 outbreak the April 23rd  meeting of the McKownville Improvement Association is cancelled.  Please check our website (www.mckownville.org) from time to time for updates about future meetings and other subjects that are important to our neighborhood.
I wish you good health. Ellen Manning, President McKownville Improvement Association

31 March 2020 - Guilderland Food Pantry, and supporting local businesses
Dear McKownville Neighbors: Last week we posted on our website (mckownville.org) links to COVID-19 informational pages on the Albany County and Town of Guilderland websites. There is a great deal of valuable information on those sites.
Last night I spent some time reading several of Supervisor Peter Barber's thoughtful daily updates on the situation. In several of these he mentions that the Guilderland Food Pantry is in need of monetary donations. I realize that there are countless organizations that need and deserve our support, especially now. If you are able to add the food pantry to the list of organizations that you support, your donation will provide much needed food to neighbors who need our help. You can read about the food pantry and make an online donation by using this link: www.guilderlandfoodpantry.com
Of course, our local businesses need our help now, too. If you're inclined to order a take out meal for pick-up or delivery, or if you need some household or automotive items, please consider ordering from one of our local suppliers. When we get through this challenging time we hope that all of our businesses will be here as well.
As always, I wish you the best of health.
Ellen Manning President McKownville Improvement Association

31 March 2020 - Water and storm sewer projects
Dear McKownville Neighbors:
Delaware Engineering and the Town of Guilderland have prepared a new informational document regarding the McKownville water and storm sewer projects.
It is posted on this website - water/storm drain construction project FAQ#6 - 30 March 2020
If you live on one of the streets where the water and storm sewer projects are taking place you will receive a copy of the FAQ sheet in the mail.

Plans for completing the projects have changed quite a lot since last fall.  In summary:
1. Bast Hatfield employees will no longer be working on the construction of the water and storm sewer lines.  Their role going forward will be limited to cleanup and restoration work.  That work is scheduled to commence this week.
2. Beginning in June, National Grid will install new gas lines throughout the project area, and provide "as built" drawings and maps identifying the locations of all of the gas lines.  With these documents in hand workers excavating in this area will be able to avoid the difficulties that arose during past construction seasons.  The installation of the gas lines is expected to take three to five months.
3. This fall, the Town will solicit bids for the installation of storm sewers on those streets where the work has not yet been completed.  A new contractor will be hired, and the final phase of the project will commence next spring.
4. As they were during the 2018 and 2019 construction seasons, Delaware Engineering personnel will be on the job, inspecting Bast Hatfield's work and monitoring the progress of the gas line installation project.
Please refer to the new FAQ document for a more detailed explanation.

I know that the project has been disruptive for many of you, and at times frustrating. It has not been easy on the contractors either.  However, I am confident that in the end, the benefits will far outweigh the inconvenience.
We are fortunate that our elected Town and State officials have provided the funding to effect much needed solutions to the long-term drainage issues that we have experienced here in McKownville for many years now, and Delaware Engineering has proved to be a patient and resourceful partner in solving the many difficulties that have arisen over the past two years.

I hope that you are all in good health. Ellen Manning, President McKownville Improvement Association

Past meeting announcements

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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