Colonie, NY

About 2 years ago, I took the back way home from a local health food store. I like taking back roads, even if it takes me a little longer to get to my destination. It's more peaceful. You see trees everywhere, instead of cars. It's just a better overall experience for my driving time, so it's worth it to me. I'd driven this same road the previous day on my way back from my daughter's house. It's a plain, meandering road that passes the less used rear entrances to the High School and the mall, and it always eventually gets me to my destination.

You know how it is - you drive along on a road you've been on so often your car practically knows the way itself.

Suddenly I found myself right smack dab in the middle of - A TRAFFIC CIRCLE!

My brain froze. For a split second, even my body froze. How did this happen? How did I end up in Clifton Park? I actually started to panic as I tried to figure out how to get out of the circle.

Where was I?

And - How in the WORLD did I get there? I'd only been driving 10 minutes.

Hadn't I?!!

To the right was a street - no, not even a street - just a jut leading - nowhere. To the left was - The Mall!! oookkaayy... so. I'm on the right road! But -

HOW did a traffic circle get here - in ONE DAY!!!!

I drove this road less than 24 hours ago and there was no traffic circle. None. Zip! Nada!! There wasn't even any evidence of road work currently being done.

But, now, here it was. The Dreaded TRAFFIC CIRCLE right here in my plain, old, meandering back road.

Once I got over the tingling feeling in my hands from the stress of the moment - I started laughing. Whoever was in charge of that project should have installed overhead cameras, because I cannot believe mine was the only absolutely panic-stricken face driving through that circle.

Since that day, traffic circles have sprouted all over the Capital District. This was the only one that momentarily tilted my world off it's axles. I no longer have to drive around and around, straining to look at the signs and find my way. (At least, on most of them.) And if I'm honest, I can see the benefits they add to keeping the driving pattern smoother in heavy traffic zones.

Nevertheless, I'll miss my plain, old, meandering back road. It just isn't the same, anymore.

Two things happened this week - Mark Hennessy, a young man I used to teach in Music Class many years ago was awarded 2011 Rensselaer County Firefighter of the Year Award. And I re-read an article about my Town of Colonie, NY being THE Safest City in the US.

Both things made me stop and realize how grateful I am to the First Responders in our local communities. I know Mark's heart - and I know he gives his everything to the job. And I'm sure he's not the only one in his crew that does. I am thankful for their willingness to put their lives on the line for us.

As for the Town of Colonie Police Department - I went to a startup meeting for a neighborhood watch group in the community a few years back, and I listened as they told the routines they did each day that kept our community safe. They are in constant motion trying to keep things in hand. "The Safest City in the US" doesn't just happen.

My son enlisted in the Marines a few months out of high school. He served honorably for several years before receiving a Medical Discharge. Several of the young men I taught in those same Music Classes are also serving in the Navy, Army and Border Patrol.

I am thankful for their service, for their dedication and their commitment to our safety and well-being. If you knew these young men (they all happen to be guys) - Oh! and one young woman 911 dispatcher! - you'd be proud of them, too. Thank you, guys and gal. You are my heroes.

"Save the Pine Bush" Enviromental group loses the Pine Bush Challenge in Colonie NY

Last Friday, February 5, State Supreme Court Justice tossed the "Save the Pine Bush" lawsuit on the claims that the suit failed to prove that the DEC did not take a hard look at the enviromental impacts of expansion or to consider alternatives.

What is Save the Pine Bush?

In Colonie NY Rapp Road dump plans to expand the dump by 15 adjoining acres. A non for profit conservation group has tried to hault this $41 million expansion into the Pine Bush area which is known for wet land preservation.

Ruling

Judge McGrath ruled the DEC could not be forced to bring the plans before an DEC Administravie Law Judge. He also allowed Albany to use borrowed money to pay for the proposed expansion with a $10-a ton fee on the city trash. This fee would help the city pay for the $18 million plan to restore 250 acres of the habitat around the landfill by 2017.

Expansion

The expansion will potentially allow the city along with other municipalities to avoid a financial and waste disposal crisis.

For more information go to visit Save The Pine Bush Website.

Please feel free to contact me at 518-587-5600 ext 142 or visit my website. I value your business.

Interested in the real estate market and goings on for South Colonie? CLick this link for a google spreadsheet of results for properties that have sold in South Colonie for November 2009! Enjoy, as always brought to you by the Michael Field - of The Field Team Keller Williams Realty!

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