Schenectady has revitalized and tremendous economic development as long as you don't go any further than one block up or down State St from Proctors then the truth becomes evident that the city is in a very steep decline.

Quoted from Shadow

Schenectady has revitalized and tremendous economic development as long as you don't go any further than one block up or down State St from Proctors then the truth becomes evident that the city is in a very steep decline.

You are correct. The entire county is showing signs of decline. Antiquated infrastructure, increased crime, shooting and high unemployment is plaguing the entire county including the city.

However, I disagree that the block of state street is anything to write home about. The area has many empty store fronts. Crime, drug dealers and pan handlers are still plentiful in that one block. So while the metroplex/schenectady county government takes taxpayer's money to fund private business with the promise a decade ago of lower taxes and more jobs has clearly fell by the wayside.

So now while the taxpayers are living in the 19th highest taxed county in the country.....the ENTIRE city including the surrounding towns are falling into decline. And along with empty store fronts, there are empty homes where people have had NO choice but to walk away from homes with taxes they could no longer afford.

Layoff??? I highly doubt that.....that is their voter base along with the welfare recipients!!! They should be ashamed of themselves and Savage and her dem supporters should have had their heads examined when she/they thought she could ever win anything beyond Schenectady! IMHO

And let's not forget that there are still TWO SHOOTERS still on the loose in Schenectady!!

Quoted from Shadow

Schenectady has revitalized and tremendous economic development as long as you don't go any further than one block up or down State St from Proctors. Then the truth becomes evident that the city is in a very steep decline.

So true. Go to Van Vranken Ave, dubbed "renaissance" row by the pathetic Gazetto just last year. Both Italiano restaurants closed-one with serious fire damage. Both the "clothing" stores closed. A market seized for non-payment of taxes and contents to be auctioned off. Where's the follow up report?-lol-This was a solid Italiano neighborhood for generations-now gang bang central.

     The entire County has been duped by SS Savage and Death Ray's moronic gamble to bet the house on Downtown. They crapped out and we all will pay.

But they had to hire a union body shop crew!

Can't wait to hear the phony budget numbers horrible Mayor SOS cooks up over this weekend. I hear that his "braintrust" will be meeting at City Squire to pour over the budget numbers. Maybe a few shots will help the bottom line? Comped as usual. Even they won't go Downtown. All the chickens have come home to roost.

     After 7 years of his "leadership" and SS Savage's "miracle on ice" the City is $13 million in the red. He should resign in disgrace after firing the idiot assessor and the illegal aliens in the finance department.

Tonight we will see the results of a decade of "working together". Skyrocketing City budgets, unchecked by any opposition, unchecked by any County officials-no way to raise taxes any higher. Every nonprofit fully greased.

     Another miracle tonight? Layoffs but no cut in the Erie "plan", wasteful DSIC nor the Mayor's huge salary and vehicles. Get to City Hall early. Seating is limited for the Mayor's "performance".

I hear the plan is to make ONE fire station for the city - laying off 19 employees

Quoted Text

Schenectady to reduce 89 positions, raise tax

Last Update: 6:19 pm

The City of Schenectady is making major budget cuts.

In a news conference Monday, officials said there will be a four percent tax increase and 89 positions will be reduced in the city; including 18 early retirements, 11 unfilled vacancies and 68 layoffs.

One firehouse will close, eliminating 19 firefighters and 13 police positions will not be filled

The SNAP Program will lose 13 jobs.  


Schenectady will also establish a curb fee for all property owners and not-for-profits to pay for care of streets.............................>>>>.............>>>>.........http://www.fox23news.com/news/.....gt5R_XoQ.cspx?rss=39

Quoted Text

Stratton budget seeks new curb fee on Schenectady's homes and nonprofits
BY LAUREN STANFORTH Staff Writer
Published: 05:57 p.m., Monday, October 4, 2010

SCHENECTADY -- A fire station would close, park lawns would not be mowed and all property owners would be assessed a new curb fee for street services under a 2011 that Mayor Brian U. Stratton called "extremely difficult."

"There's not a whole lot of choice here beyond raising taxes through the roof," he said Monday shortly before presenting to the City Council his $76.9 million spending plan with 4 percent property tax increase.

The most striking part of Stratton's budget is the proposed curb fee that would charge residents and nonprofit organizations for public services like snowplowing and street lighting. The mayor said it is not known yet how much those fees would be. He said services like park maintenance might be restored if the proposed $1.4 million to be raised by the curb fee is increased....................>>>>....................>>>>.....................http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Stratton-budget-seeks-new-curb-fee-on-687310.php

A curb fee? Is he kidding? We already pay a separate tax for garbage and water. This is totally unacceptable-a total redo.

Too little too late to prevent any real cuts in spending and the resulting tax and fee increases is totally uncalled for. Just how much in taxes does this dysfunctional city think the residents can afford before they all end up at the DSS building then who will pay the levy.

absolutely friggin incredible

wow 19 firefighters?  they only have like 16 working every day.....

Stratton should be ashamed of himself. How can he live the way he lives and expect people to afford these outrageous taxes!

CUTTING EMERGENCY SERVICES?????

Ok....so here's the thing.....closing a fire house and getting rid of fire fighters means one of two things........
1. That taxpayers have been paying for a fire house and fire fighters for years and didn't need to...OR...
2. He is really trying to cut spending and believes that cutting emergency services is the ONLY area to cut!!!
Pick your poison here!!!

THE CURB FEE???? These people can't afford what they are paying now!!! What the hell is a curb fee anyway???? OMG!!!