Times Union

Climate Action Council lacks input from upstate

  “The impressive membership of the Climate Action Council includes representatives from state departments, universities and industry lobbies. Where are the representatives from upstate communities in which solar and wind power plants will be sited? Where are the landowners and town officials? How can expedient and reasonable siting be achieved without our involvement? Gov. Andrew … [Read more…]

BlackRock-backed solar business to be based in Schenectady

  “A solar startup launched by General Electric Co. and funded by BlackRock Inc. will be headquartered at Mohawk Harbor, according to the Schenectady Metroplex Development Authority. Distributed Solar Development, which designs, builds, owns and operates distributed solar power generating plants, currently employs more than 60 people, according to GE Reports. DSD had its origins … [Read more…]

Bill would slow transformation of farmland to industrial use

  “Spurred on by an annexation battle in his district, a Capital Region lawmaker has proposed a one-year moratorium on converting farmland into industrial sites through the annexation process. The bill proposed by Democratic Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara of Schenectady, also speaks to what agriculturalists say is the continuing loss of farmland in New York state. … [Read more…]

Christman Sanctuary reopens after vandalism

“The Christman Sanctuary reopened Thursday, after it had been closed a week for repairs due to vandalism. “We appreciate the rapid response of local law enforcement as well as the outpouring of support from the community as to why it was necessary to temporarily close the preserve,” said Gabe Chapin, the forest conservation and stewardship … [Read more…]

Mass. man, 77, accused of Duanesburg child sex abuse

  ” State Police arrested a 77-year-old Massachusetts man following an allegation of child sexual abuse in the Schenectady County town of Duanesburg. Richard Coburn, of Merrimac, Mass., was arrested Thursday and charged with first-degree sex abuse, a felony, and endangering the welfare of a child, a misdemeanor.”   read the entire article   Times … [Read more…]

Solar array planned in Duanesburg

  “A Pennsylvania-based renewable energy company is planning a 2.5-megawatt solar array on vacant farmland that could produce enough electricity for about 1,500 customers. RER Energy Group, of Reading, wants to construct the 15-acre facility on about 81 acres on Duanesburg Road, near Youngs and Gage roads. It would employ more than 8,200 southerly-facing solar … [Read more…]

Duanesburg’s dubious distinction

  “While it’s not exactly the sunshine Bill Reed hoped for, the weekend forecast for the region doesn’t include much snow for this rural Schenectady County community, belted by an area-high two feet of snow over the past few days. “This has been the storm from hell,” said the Duanesburg Highway Superintendent Thursday from inside … [Read more…]

Grade-fixing alleged at high school

  “Six high school seniors and their parents are levying serious accusations against Duanesburg Central School District officials, saying they canceled a college-level chemistry class midyear because the students’ grades weren’t good enough. The group, which also includes AMRI Global chemist Brian Bliss, who assisted in teaching the class, provided the Times Union with a … [Read more…]