Retail pot put on the back burner, for now
New York State must stop awarding retail, recreational-use cannabis licenses, or CAURD licenses, a federal judge has decided, the Albany Business Journal says. A Michigander brought a case in federal court saying that the law’s requirement that retailers be New York citizens and that the first licenses be issued to people who had been convicted of marijuana-related crimes is unconstitutional, breaking rule on interstate commerce. Currently, five of 13 locations in the state are affected: the Finger Lakes, Western New York, Central New York, the mid-Hudson region, and Brooklyn.
Malta has live streaming equipment, so why not use it, residents wonder
The Town of Malta has spent $70,000 on equipment to livestream meetings, but they are still not live streamed, and at least one former town councilor thinks this is a problem, the Times Union is reporting. Cynthia Young, a Democrat, told the TU that the town took down youtube videos and is not using the bought-and-paid-for equipment. She and some residents say this stems from the controversial condominium and marina project on the south shore of Saratoga Lake, the story says. Supervisor Mark Hammond says the system has glitches that have not been worked out.
COVID tax trial starts today
The owner of Crossgates Mall faces the town of Guilderland over taxes paid, or not, in the 2020 and 2021, and whether the mall must pay the tax on the full assessed property value, $282.5 million, or on a COVID-adjusted, $143.2 million value, the Albany Business Journal is reporting. The trial is set for state Supreme Court in Albany County. The Guilderland Board of Assessment Review refused the mall’s request to pay at the lower valuation twice, and the two lawsuits were consolidated, the story says. The mall is owned by the Pyramid corporation.
Saranac Lake promises STR regulations in January
The Saranac Lake Village Board will finish its draft short-term regulations by early next year, a story in the Adirondack Daily Enterprise is reporting. The revisions have been making their way through various village committees for months, and it is now time for the village board to bring it to the people.
Port Henry high school field reverting to community space
The old Port Henry High School field has overgrown after years of neglect and a run of changing ownership and back taxes owed, but renovation that began in August will see the field used as an ice rink, baseball field and basketball court, a story in the Adirondack Sun says. The project is funded primarily with federal American Recovery Act dollars.
Mechanicville DPW worker possibly wins write-in campaign for commissioner
The votes are still being counted, but the Times Union is reporting that Republican Anthony Gotti, running unopposed for Commissioner of the Department of Public Works in Mechanicville lost to Democrat Patrick C. Sgambati II, a DPW employee who ran a write-in campaign. Thus far, Sgambati is ahead by 200 votes of 1,200 cast.
“Hacksaw” Jim Duggan still performing, on stage, not in the ring
Glens Falls native, former Atlanta Falcon and longtime pro-wrestler, “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan, is still performing, but this time he’s telling stories and jokes about his time in what is now World Wrestling Entertainment, the Times Union reports. Now 68, he was a pro wrestler during the “golden age” when he performed with Hulk Hogan, Macho Man Randy Savage, Andre the Giant, and other big names. The Hacksaw nickname came during his football days, but he boosted it by swinging a two-by-four as he entered the ring.
Former Saratoga County top Republican takes role on finance board
The former chairman of Saratoga County’s Republican Committee is the co-director of the state’s Public Campaign Finance Board, the Times Union is reporting. Carl Zeilman will share the position with Democrat Cheryl Couser. The new board had a director who stepped down before the board launched.
Granville puts former town hall on the market: make an offer
The former bank and town hall, a historic building in Granville is up for sale, and the town is taking any serious bid, the Post-Star is reporting. Granville recently moved to the former Granville Sentinel newspaper building down the street and has added the city hall to an online auction. Bidding closes Tuesday, the story says. The move came when the town looked to upgrade the stone building to make it ADA compliant and internet-friendly. They found it easier to move.