Information Technology and Computers
The Capital Region will get hundreds of new jobs in the tech sector, says the Albany Business Journal. IBM and Intel are increasing research and development in the semiconductor industry in the region, the story says.
Retail and eCommerce
Five Below will move into retail space on Quaker Road in Queensbury if the plans are approved, the Post-Star is reporting this morning. Five Below is a discount retailer and is eyeing the space next to the Aldi store at 763 Glen Street, just south of the intersection with Quaker/Aviation road.
Government, Law and Legal Services
Saratoga Springs’ Commissioner of Accounts, John Franck, will not seek reelection in the fall, the Saratogian is reporting. He is the longest serving member of the council at this time.
Also in the Post-Star, the Glens Falls Police Department has taken a first step to implement its police reform measures, just weeks after approving the plan. Officer John Norton was appointed the community liaison officer. In that role he will be the point person for community groups and others who want to talk about policing in the community. The role is in addition to his other duties, the story says.
It’s a “budding industry,” the Times-Union is reporting this morning. Gov. Andrew Cuomo is expected to sign into law the recreational use of marijuana after votes in the state legislature approved a bill that would make possession of 3 ounces or less of the drug legal. Retail stores will likely be able to open in 18 months, or so, after all the regulatory systems are in place. Annually, $350 million in revenue to the state is expected, and the records of those convicted will be expunged, the story says.
Travel, Tourism and Recreation
The Adirondack Mountain Reserve and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation have announced a system to reserve parking and hiking on some Adirondack High Peaks trails, the Adirondack Explorer reported. AMR allows hiking on its private property via an easement with the state, and last year limited parking. This year, a reservation to park and to hike (even without parking) is required, the story says. The reservations will be free, once the site’s system at, hikeamr.org, goes live next month.