By MICHAEL LISI, Special to the Times Union First published: Sunday, November 4, 2007
Caroline Manor isn't the easiest Rotterdam subdivision to find.
Persistence -- and a map -- is the key to locating this small neighborhood, connected to the Sunrise Estates development off Dunnsville Road. There are two ways to get to Caroline Manor: driving down Horizon Boulevard, the western entrance to Sunrise Estates, or rural South Westcott Road (Route 77), which brings you into the development via Sterling Road.
The affordable, kid-friendly neighborhood is pretty and quaint, featuring Colonials, most set on spacious, wooded 1/4-acre lots with nicely landscaped lawns. The fun-loving spirit of Halloween was alive in Caroline Manor on a recent drive through the development; carved pumpkins adorned front steps and festive decorations hung from trees, shrubs and in windows at most homes.
Driveway basketball courts and backyard play areas were staples at many homes, as were above-ground pools. Plus, the neighborhood's winding streets -- which don't connect to any main roads -- are perfect for kids who like to ride bikes, skate or skateboard.
Schools Children living in Caroline Manor are enrolled in the Schalmont Central School District, attending the Jefferson Elementary School, the Schalmont Middle School and Schalmont High School. According to the 2005-06 state Report Card on the Schools, the district had an enrollment of 2,107 in the 2005-06 school year. The high school had 716 students enrolled that year, with 172 seniors. In 2005-06, 89 percent of graduating seniors earned a Regents diploma.
Commuting Caroline Manor is bordered by Horizon Boulevard to the north, Giffords Church Road to the south, South Westcott Road (Route 77) to the east and Dunnsville Road (Route 81) to the west.
The development is about a five-minute drive to Thruway Exit 25A and access to Interstate 88. Dunnsville Road heading north intersects with Duanesburg Road (Route 7), which leads to the Exit 25A on-ramp and connects with I-88.
Shopping and recreation Grocery and convenience stores, as well as a selection of restaurants, retail shops and other outlets, can be found along Duanesburg, Princetown and Mariaville roads, which lead to the Five Corners area of Rotterdam.
The town's Plotter Kill Nature Preserve is about a 20-minute car ride away. The preserve, which has parking areas on Mariaville and Coplon roads, offers three waterfalls, a gorge and well-maintained hiking trails. The Iroquois Rod and Gun Club on Feuz Road and the Briar Creek Golf Course on Pangburn Road are nearby.
Mortgages A 1,970-square-foot Colonial with three bedrooms and 2 1/2 bathrooms at 428 Jenie Court is selling for $268,000. It was built in 1992. Located on a cul-de-sac, the house has a two-car garage, a fireplace, public water and public sewer service.
Taxes Currently, homeowners pay $371.27 per $1,000 of assessed valuation for town, Schenectady County and special district property taxes; Rotterdam assesses property at about 3 percent of actual market value. That will change once the town completes a property revaluation, which will assess properties at full value; new tax rates will be available in January. The school property tax rate for 2007-08 is $17.22; that number is based on the town's full value reassessment. Last year's tax rate, calculated at 3 percent of actual market value, was $614.10 per 1,000. Using calculations based on the town's current assessment rate, taxes on a home valued at $250,000 are approximately $7,390.
Last year's tax rate, calculated at 3 percent of actual market value, was $614.10 per 1,000. Using calculations based on the town's current assessment rate, taxes on a home valued at $250,000 are approximately $7,390.
Wonder what they will be with the new assessment rate?
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
Yup...I agree! But where do you go? Taxes either are high already or will get there eventually no matter where you go. And it really doesn't matter what you get in services for you taxdollar anymore. You just can't afford them anymore no matter what your taxdollar brings you.
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
I've been talking to quite a few people who are nearing retirement age and many are looking to move to North Carolina, Utah, and some other states where to tax rate, home cost, and cost of living are much lower than New York and the rest of the liberal Democrat controlled states whose welfare programs are forcing the taxes thru the roof. New York will face a crisis in a few years when their population falls and there aren't enough people left to fund the programs in this state. California is in the same boat and people are leaving that state as well.
Here is a homework assignment for everyone. Read the obituaries everday. I mean read them in their entirety. Notice how many remaining family members live outside of NYS. Now that tells the story right there!
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
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