PHNA

Minutes of 20 October, 2017

PHNA Board Attendees: V. Hammer, M. Douglas, J. Hammer, L. Lieman, G. Solan, R. Chesser.

There is a quorum.

Election of PHNA Officers: M. Butler, Chair of Nominating Committee. Ballots distributed to paid up members.

The following have been elected for two year terms, commencing 1 January, 2017.

  • Virginia Hammer, President
  • Marilyn Douglas, Vice President
  • Eric Schadow, Secretary
  • John Hammer, Treasurer

By Laws Revision: V. Hammer summarized proposed changes, members have been sent copies. The membership will vote at the next meeting, 17 November.

Special Guest: Emma Andres, GSA, building a mini free library outside St. Andrews as a Girl Scout project.

Speaker #1: R. Magee, Director of Buildings and Regulatory Compliance, City of Albany. Discussed what improvements have been made, some critical positions filled, more training of inspectors, catching up with delinquent ROPs, still only at 50% staffing. Discussed what’s new with “zombie buildings”. NY State has passed a new law requiring banks that hold the title to vacant properties to maintain the premises, get it listed on a state-wide registry, meet codes ,etc.Encouraged members to continue to report vacant buildings and code violations using SeeClickFix. Contact Mr. Magee at

Speaker #2: Mark Gronich, Vice Chair PEG Access oversight boardCity of Albany, encouraging everyone to use the facilities (studio, camera rental, etc) 915-1609and to volunteer.

September Minutes: Approved and on-line.

Committee Reports:

  • Zoning & Code Enforcement: Brief discussion of Rezone, stay tuned for details
  • Public Safety: Joe & Nate – Graffiti and minor larcenies.
  • CUCR – Luke - Pine Hills clean-up, next meeting Nov 9, 7 PM, LaSalle
  • PHIG – next meeting at 6:30 pm, PH Library 14 Oct.
  • UMIG – See UMIG report in PHNA newsletter
  • Flood Issues – See article in PHNA newsletter
  • Membership: 109
  • Treasurer: $1569.61, awaiting about $3,500 reimbursement from Amplify Albany for MMM.

Elected Representatives:

  • Doug Bullock- discussed Charter Revision, will be on the ballot, he recommends a “Yes” vote, mostly cleaning up, codifying, etc. No increase in county tax, county budget is in good shape.
  • Judy Doesscheat – Common Council Finance Committee Chair. Common Council is holding meetings with department heads about the budget. County is no longer making Albany “whole” concerning costs associated with vacant properties. Everyone concerned about this negative impact on the city budget can contact their county legislator to protest.
  • Leah Golby –Trash fee will come up for discussion in Common Council.

Next Meeting: 17 November, 2017.