City faces $387k shortfall for Washington Hose
By Lindsay Suchow
Hudson-Catskill Newspapers
Published:
Thursday, October 28, 2010 2:16 AM EDT
Facing a $387,000 shortfall for the Washington Hose renovation project, which involves the county Chamber of Commerce and the Hudson Development Corporation becoming tenants of the historic building, the city resolved to finance the remainder of the project from 2011’s fund balance. The HDC board also approved additional funding.
After failing to secure a Main Street grant and receiving zero appropriations from U.S. Rep. Scott Murphy’s office, the city has still committed to moving forward with the project by allocating $350,000 in next year’s budget, which officials anticipate to be offset by the sale of city properties.
As the project was priced out at an estimated total of $687,645, HDC Executive Director Peter Markou requested an additional $37,000 for Washington Hose at the HDC board’s Wednesday meeting. The board approved, bringing HDC’s total contributions to $287,000.
At the city’s Economic Development Committee meeting Tuesday, City Treasurer Eileen Halloran said she was opposed to the idea of borrowing money for the project and identified funds in 2011’s budget that could be used to make up the shortfall, which is contingent upon the anticipated sale of city properties.
The city already had $300,000 in-hand for the renovation — with $150,000 from the HDC, $100,000 that the HDC received from the now-defunct Empire Zone program and $50,000 committed by the city. When no grant money was received, the city put the project out to bid in order to get an idea of how much of a shortfall they were facing and enlisted engineering firm Crawford and Associates to do the spec work.
With Hoosick Valley Contracting as the winning bidder for construction, the renovation was priced out between $654,000 and $687,645, with the final price being dependent on whether the property’s historic windows will be preserved or replaced with new windows.
The decision to proceed with the renovation was ultimately made at the Economic Development Committee meeting, where Markou urged city officials to continue with the project as a matter of taking ownership of what he considered to be an extremely valuable structure.
“We’ve got a significant shortfall — how badly do you want to save that building?” said Markou. “From my perspective as an economic developer, this is one of the most important buildings in the city ... It will never be owned by anyone but the city. It is your heritage. What are you going to do with it?”
Added Mayor Richard Scalera, “We’re at a crossroads. The city has to make a commitment to invest itself, step aside and sell the building, or let it rot.”
Dan Proper of Crawford and Associates, who attended the meeting, said the renovation would involve minimal site work on the outside of the building, with the crux of the repairs needed to make the interior of the building inhabitable, including asbestos abatement.
Historic Hudson board of directors vice president Carole Osterink questioned Proper as to how significant of a savings would be incurred by replacing the windows rather than preserving and repairing them. Proper responded that not many of the windows were original.
“By all means we will listen to the Historic Preservation Commission,” said Proper in response to a comment from Osterink that the HPC would urge the restoration of the original windows rather than replacing them.
All parties involved were on the same page when it came to the importance of salvaging the Washington Hose project, with Common Council President Don Moore calling the renovation “an opportunity we simply cannot afford to lose.”
“Washington Hose presents a strong opportunity for us because of the LWRP, where Washington Hose is located and the tenants that are going in there,” said Moore. “It will prove to be a perfect anchor for the lower end of Warren Street.”
Added First Ward Alderwoman Sarah Sterling, “I feel we have an obligation to protect our infrastructure and invest in our future.”
To reach reporter Lindsay Suchow call 518-828-1616 ext. 2266 or e-mail lsuchow@registerstar.com.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Roundtable Joins Business MVPs
One hundred thirty eight of Columbia County's influential figures, private, political and combined met for networking, dinner and drinks at the annual CEO Roundtable, hosted by the Columbia-Hudson Partnership. Here, Greenport Supervisor Edward Nabozny chats with Columbia Economic Development Corporation Board President David Crawford and Greg Fingar of Fingar Insurance, also chair of the county Republican Party. (Francesca Olsen/Hudson-Catskill Newspapers)
By Francesca Olsen
Hudson-Catskill Newspapers
Published:
Thursday, October 28, 2010 2:16 AM EDT
Entrepreneurs, public officials and quasi-governmental officials gathered again this year for the Columbia Hudson Partnership’s CEO Roundtable, an annual event that puts the spotlight on local business and the independent, fierce spirit that can be seen in local businesspeople from New Lebanon to Clermont and back again.
Held at Hudson’s Club Helsinki, 138 of the county’s finest gathered to eat, drink, network and learn about CHP’s new entrepreneurial program, which according to county Director of Planning and Economic Development and Columbia Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Ken Flood will make capital more available to fledgling businesses and shine a light on Columbia County to “create an entrepreneurial hub” for business development.
The hub will include more directed publicizing of Columbia County as a positive business environment, a network of experts and leaders who can assist entrepreneurs in developing their ideas, collaboration with local entities like the county Chamber of Commerce and Columbia Greene Community College, and a wide array of financing plans available through CHP — including $200,000 to be set aside for seed funding, privately funded capital loans and venture capital funding.
“We want to create a strong network for small businesses,” Flood said. “We want to sell the lifestyle Columbia County has to offer.”
When he addressed the crowd, Flood explained that CHP’s new efforts were not in any way meant to exclude existing businesses. “The major employers in this county are really homegrown companies,” he said. “Building an environment which fosters entrepreneurial spirit must be a part of our mission...if you lose one business, and you get another, you’re even.”
The event’s keynote speaker was CGCC Division Chair of Technology, Business, Mathematics and Science Dr. Stewart Dutfield, who spoke about the importance of leadership and community. “A leader is a seeker who can help us move into the future,” he told his audience. “There’s a paradox between serving and leading...paradox is good.”
New challenges and collaborations bring new resources and new realities, Dutfield said, which “is all creating new meaning,” in the world around us — making the entrepreneurial spirit “the essential component of a thriving society.”
Dutfield gave several examples of local leaders who may well change the state of the world around us, including Greenport-based Local Ocean, who created a no-waste, mercury-free, completely contained fish farm and have enjoyed skyrocketing success since their fist fingerlings were placed in their tanks.
“Fish farming may never be the same as a result of this model,” he said. “Entrepreneurs, like leaders, are making history by changing the way we make sense of the world.”
Some local leaders present at the roundtable, like Al Bellenchia, president of the Capital Region division of The Alternative Board, are already working with business owners to help them expand and develop the skills they need to do so. The Alternative Board, with headquarters in Denver, works with business owners to create a “plan to get from A to B,” Bellenchia said. “Most small businesses don’t have coaches. So how are they going to get better at what they do?”
Find out more about CHP and new opportunities for local business owners at www.chpartnership.com; or call 518-828-4718.
To reach reporter Francesca Olsen call 518-828-1616, ext. 2272, or e-mail folsen@registerstar.com.
Held at Hudson’s Club Helsinki, 138 of the county’s finest gathered to eat, drink, network and learn about CHP’s new entrepreneurial program, which according to county Director of Planning and Economic Development and Columbia Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Ken Flood will make capital more available to fledgling businesses and shine a light on Columbia County to “create an entrepreneurial hub” for business development.
The hub will include more directed publicizing of Columbia County as a positive business environment, a network of experts and leaders who can assist entrepreneurs in developing their ideas, collaboration with local entities like the county Chamber of Commerce and Columbia Greene Community College, and a wide array of financing plans available through CHP — including $200,000 to be set aside for seed funding, privately funded capital loans and venture capital funding.
“We want to create a strong network for small businesses,” Flood said. “We want to sell the lifestyle Columbia County has to offer.”
When he addressed the crowd, Flood explained that CHP’s new efforts were not in any way meant to exclude existing businesses. “The major employers in this county are really homegrown companies,” he said. “Building an environment which fosters entrepreneurial spirit must be a part of our mission...if you lose one business, and you get another, you’re even.”
The event’s keynote speaker was CGCC Division Chair of Technology, Business, Mathematics and Science Dr. Stewart Dutfield, who spoke about the importance of leadership and community. “A leader is a seeker who can help us move into the future,” he told his audience. “There’s a paradox between serving and leading...paradox is good.”
New challenges and collaborations bring new resources and new realities, Dutfield said, which “is all creating new meaning,” in the world around us — making the entrepreneurial spirit “the essential component of a thriving society.”
Dutfield gave several examples of local leaders who may well change the state of the world around us, including Greenport-based Local Ocean, who created a no-waste, mercury-free, completely contained fish farm and have enjoyed skyrocketing success since their fist fingerlings were placed in their tanks.
“Fish farming may never be the same as a result of this model,” he said. “Entrepreneurs, like leaders, are making history by changing the way we make sense of the world.”
Some local leaders present at the roundtable, like Al Bellenchia, president of the Capital Region division of The Alternative Board, are already working with business owners to help them expand and develop the skills they need to do so. The Alternative Board, with headquarters in Denver, works with business owners to create a “plan to get from A to B,” Bellenchia said. “Most small businesses don’t have coaches. So how are they going to get better at what they do?”
Find out more about CHP and new opportunities for local business owners at www.chpartnership.com; or call 518-828-4718.
To reach reporter Francesca Olsen call 518-828-1616, ext. 2272, or e-mail folsen@registerstar.com.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Casey Laush Joins Staff
C&A is proud to announce the addition of Casey Laush to our civil / structural group. Miss Laush received her Bachelor of Science with Great Distinction from Clarkson University in Potsdam, New York. Here she earned her degree in civil engineering with a structural / architectural concentration. Miss Laush is also a current member of the Tau Beta Pi Engineering Society.
As as staff engineer, Miss Laush will be involved with building framing and detailing including structural analysis and design of wood, steel and concrete. She will be responsible for elevation drawings and site design and plans. In addition she will also be involved with pay requests and change orders on construction management projects.
We here at Crawford & Associates wish Casey a long and prosperous career.
As as staff engineer, Miss Laush will be involved with building framing and detailing including structural analysis and design of wood, steel and concrete. She will be responsible for elevation drawings and site design and plans. In addition she will also be involved with pay requests and change orders on construction management projects.
We here at Crawford & Associates wish Casey a long and prosperous career.
Monday, July 26, 2010
“Ethan Bentley Joins Staff”
Daniel Proper, P.E., SCEB, VP at Crawford & Associates Engineering, PC announces the addition of Ethan Bentley to Crawford’s Civil/Structural Group. Mr. Bentley is a graduate of Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY where he earned his Masters Degree in Civil Engineering with a specialty in Environmental Engineering. Mr. Bentley also successfully completed the LEED Green Associates exam. Passing this exam attests to Bentley’s knowledge and skill in understanding and supporting sustainable design, construction, and operations.
At C&A Mr. Bentley’s duties will include; conducting structural analysis of new and old buildings, specializing in wood, steel and concrete construction; performing field inspection to determine existing framing configuration; development of structural drawings and details, and conduct field inspection during construction to confirm compliance with plans.
Founded in 1992 by David Crawford, Crawford & Associates Engineering & Land Surveying, P.C. is a multidisciplinary firm of engineers, planners, surveyors and geologists. C&A has grown to include a diverse staff working in separate, yet closely linked disciplines. Each group is led by a licensed professional who works with their team to define problems and create feasible and thoughtful solutions. In this way C&A is able to bring projects to completion on time and within budget.
Crawford and Associates offers services in all facets of engineering and planning. In addition to civil, structural, electrical and mechanical engineering, C&A also provides environmental planning, land surveying, and geological consulting. The client base includes numerous municipalities, counties, and state agencies throughout New York as well as extensive relationships with private industry. C&A has a strong track record in successfully writing and administering grants as well as working closely with state and federal regulatory agencies.
At C&A Mr. Bentley’s duties will include; conducting structural analysis of new and old buildings, specializing in wood, steel and concrete construction; performing field inspection to determine existing framing configuration; development of structural drawings and details, and conduct field inspection during construction to confirm compliance with plans.
Founded in 1992 by David Crawford, Crawford & Associates Engineering & Land Surveying, P.C. is a multidisciplinary firm of engineers, planners, surveyors and geologists. C&A has grown to include a diverse staff working in separate, yet closely linked disciplines. Each group is led by a licensed professional who works with their team to define problems and create feasible and thoughtful solutions. In this way C&A is able to bring projects to completion on time and within budget.
Crawford and Associates offers services in all facets of engineering and planning. In addition to civil, structural, electrical and mechanical engineering, C&A also provides environmental planning, land surveying, and geological consulting. The client base includes numerous municipalities, counties, and state agencies throughout New York as well as extensive relationships with private industry. C&A has a strong track record in successfully writing and administering grants as well as working closely with state and federal regulatory agencies.
Friday, June 25, 2010
“Kimberly Hein Powers Earns New York Professional Engineering License”
Daniel B. Proper, P.E., VP at Crawford and Associates Engineering and Land Surveying, P.C. is pleased to announce that Kimberly Hein Powers has received her Professional Engineer (P.E.) license in the state of New York. Ms. Powers works under Mr. Proper’s direction as part of C&A’s Civil/Structural division.
“This is a great milestone for Kim, and well deserved based on the hard work and dedication she applies to every project,” stated Mr. Proper. A graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York, Ms. Powers has been employed by Crawford and Associates as a staff engineer for the last five years, and also became a LEED Accredited Professional last January. During her tenure at C&A she has worked on projects focusing primarily on structural engineering, civil engineering, and construction management. Some of Ms Powers work has included the structural analysis of residential and commercial foundations, life and safety building code reviews, site planning and traffic impact studies. According to Mr. Proper, “…Kim has truly grown into a well rounded, talented engineer. We…look forward to seeing her continue to grow on a professional level.”
“This is a great milestone for Kim, and well deserved based on the hard work and dedication she applies to every project,” stated Mr. Proper. A graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York, Ms. Powers has been employed by Crawford and Associates as a staff engineer for the last five years, and also became a LEED Accredited Professional last January. During her tenure at C&A she has worked on projects focusing primarily on structural engineering, civil engineering, and construction management. Some of Ms Powers work has included the structural analysis of residential and commercial foundations, life and safety building code reviews, site planning and traffic impact studies. According to Mr. Proper, “…Kim has truly grown into a well rounded, talented engineer. We…look forward to seeing her continue to grow on a professional level.”
Friday, June 11, 2010
Daniel Proper Receives Massachusetts P.E. License
Daniel B. Proper, P.E., SECB, Vice President and head of the Civil/Structural Group at Crawford & Associates Engineering has earned his Professional Engineer License (P.E.) from the state of Massachusetts. Mr. Proper is also licensed in New York and Connecticut.
Mr. Proper has extensive experience in a wide spectrum of assignments with a core emphasis on structural projects. He has worked on all phases of construction projects from conceptual design through construction. His past structural assessments have encompassed renovation and rehabilitation for both historic and contemporary buildings; structural design and analysis of new residential, commercial, institutional and industrial buildings and dam assessment, rehabilitation and design work.
Additionally, Mr. Proper has extensive experience in site planning for commercial and public facilities. He has represented his clients before municipal, county and state agencies, and provided expert testimony and litigation support in the evaluation of construction claims.
Mr. Proper has extensive experience in a wide spectrum of assignments with a core emphasis on structural projects. He has worked on all phases of construction projects from conceptual design through construction. His past structural assessments have encompassed renovation and rehabilitation for both historic and contemporary buildings; structural design and analysis of new residential, commercial, institutional and industrial buildings and dam assessment, rehabilitation and design work.
Additionally, Mr. Proper has extensive experience in site planning for commercial and public facilities. He has represented his clients before municipal, county and state agencies, and provided expert testimony and litigation support in the evaluation of construction claims.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Crawford & Associates Anounces MEP New Hires
Crawford & Associates is growing! In the month of February, C&A welcomed two new employees to its MEP division: Christopher J. Knox and Elyse Portanova.
Chris comes to us as a graduate from Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY. He earned his BS with Distinction in Mechanical Engineering. Mr. Knox is no stranger to C&A. Being a local resident of Hillsdale, NY, Mr. Knox interned with C&A throughout his summer breaks from school. Knox works on a variety of projects in both the civil and mechanical divisions at Crawford. He is often involved in pump sizing, HVAC load calculation, and HVAC equiptment sizing.
Elyse Portanova is a recent graduate from Renssalear Polytechic Institute in Troy, NY. She earned her BS in Electrical Engineering with a concentration in electronics. Elyse will be handling the lighting and power design for the MEP team.
We are very excited to have these two qualified engineers on our staff!
Chris comes to us as a graduate from Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY. He earned his BS with Distinction in Mechanical Engineering. Mr. Knox is no stranger to C&A. Being a local resident of Hillsdale, NY, Mr. Knox interned with C&A throughout his summer breaks from school. Knox works on a variety of projects in both the civil and mechanical divisions at Crawford. He is often involved in pump sizing, HVAC load calculation, and HVAC equiptment sizing.
Elyse Portanova is a recent graduate from Renssalear Polytechic Institute in Troy, NY. She earned her BS in Electrical Engineering with a concentration in electronics. Elyse will be handling the lighting and power design for the MEP team.
We are very excited to have these two qualified engineers on our staff!
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