NYCLU calls Springs police “racist organization”
The regional director of the New York Civil Liberties Union said her organization is watching police activity and accused the Saratoga Springs Police Department of acting like a "racist organization," a story in the Times Union says. Melanie Trimble said that the police are “clearly targeting the minority community” with tactics that are “escalating problems,” the story says. She said the department is acting “over-the-top” in its arrests of about a dozen protestors earlier this month for their actions at a July 14 rally. The activists said they were jailed for hours with some arraigned in shackles. The charges against them are violations (similar to traffic tickets) and misdemeanors.
Springs: Minor charges could be dismissed
Most disorderly conduct violations could be dismissed if those charged stay arrest-free in the near future, says a story in the Daily Gazette. Defense attorney Kathy Manley said she was in discussions with Saratoga's district attorney's office about “possible dismissals pending further review of video evidence,” the story says. The charges stem from a July 14 protest in Saratoga Springs in which people blocked traffic. Misdemeanor charges of “unlawful imprisonment” against the people who blocked traffic will not be dropped, thus far.
Bank of Green County has enough money, thanks
The Bank of Greene County does not want more money just now, a story in the Albany Business Journal says. Its deposits grew 35% in the past 12 months, so the bank is focusing on improved operations, rather than building another branch or growing accounts. The bank surpassed $2 billion in assets last March. The CEO said the bank with 202 employees will add human resources and operations staff.
Port of Albany seeks tax incentives
The Port of Albany wants tax incentives to help construct the first offshore wind tower manufacturing plant in the U.S., the Albany Business Journal is reporting. The plant itself should create up to 350 jobs, and the construction of the facilities will require up to 250 people over the next few years, the story says. Construction costs could top $235 million for the 560,000 square foot factory and more to equip it.
Springs is latest to consider pot
Saratoga Springs officials will open a page on the city’s website to take public input on marijuana sales and cannabis lounges (like bars, but with pot instead of alcohol), before commissioners vote to allow both, one or neither, the Daily Gazette is reporting. The city commissioners have until Dec. 31, as does every municipality in the state, to make a decision, or the state law will allow both sales and lounges.