Celebrate Spring!

The Governors of the U. S. Postal service approved an increase of a First-Class stamp to 41 cents, authorized the issuance of the Forever Stamp, approved shape-based pricing, and set May 14, 2007 as the date for the implementation of these changes.

   The Forever Stamp will sell at the new 41 cent First-Class Mail one-ounce letter rate.  The value on these stamps will always be the one-ounce letter rate and can be used for any future one-ounce letter mailing without extra postage.

   The Postal service will continue to issue the popular commemorative stamps as well as holiday stamps.  Postcards will be 26 cents.       Don't panic,  I will have plenty of 2 cent stamps to add to any 39 cent stamps you may already have.

     The new pricing approach (shaped-based pricing) is based on the shape of the mail, not just the weight.  The new prices will reflect the fact that the costs for handling letters, large envelopes and packages are different.

Alplaus Birdline

by Shawna Thompson

March 11 was the arrival date this year for the flocks of Red Winged Blackbirds in Alplaus. And March 16 was the date of the snowstorm that always seems to follow the arrival of these noisy birds. But signs of that snowstorm are quickly receding and the air is filled with the spring sounds of all our favorite birds.

   Kim Sheely was pleasantly surprised to see the “White Robin” survived the winter and has been frequenting her yard. Although a lot of Robins wintered-over here in Alplaus, many of the travelers are back and all of them are singing their cheerful spring song now.

     Jessica Evans knew spring was here when she spotted the Great Blue Heron in her yard. She was also treated to a flock of about 12 Wood Ducks. These handsome ducks have to be among the most beautiful of all birds. They tend to be a bit shy, and are usually spotted in pairs or small groups. In recent years they seem to be more common along our creek. If you spot a duck that appears to have a ponytail, it is probably a “Woody”.

by Mike Sheppeck

   
The Yates Farm Townhouse project came before the Glenville Environmental Conservation Committee (GECC) on Monday, March 26^th. They gave the project a negative declaration and passed the application along to the Planning & Zoning Commission (PZC). The next meeting of the PZC will be Monday, April 9^th at 7 pm. The Yates Farm proposal will likely be on the finalized agenda.

   A permit from the Army Corps of Engineers for the wetland disturbance was issued by default. It does appear that there will be a traffic signal as opposed to a roundabout at the intersection of Alplaus and Maple Avenues. The overall configuration of buildings was changed slightly to eliminate the need for 2 variances. There are to be 13 buildings, with the total number of units increased from 48 to 50.

   Anyone having any concerns regarding this project is encouraged to attend the PZC meeting and participate in the overall process. The Town can not be responsive to any suggestions which have not been voiced.

Why is the former ARA president giving the sewer update? Keith Abatto, who will be fabulous as ARA President, asked if I would continue to oversee the progress of the sewer project. Many of you have joked over the years that I wasn't really the ARA President, I was the Sewer Queen, and for now, at least, I'll retain that title.

  I encourage all Alplaus residents to attend the public hearing on sewers on Wednesday, April 4 at 7:30 pm at town hall. Although they will both happen during the town board meeting, there are actually separate hearings scheduled at the same time for the sewer extension and the existing district. This is our opportunity to express our remaining concerns and voice our thoughts about both aspects of the work to be done in Alplaus. Please make sure you tell your neighbors and encourage them to attend.

There is also good news on the sewer front. Town board member Val DiGiandomenico, although not the sewer and water liaison, has agreed to oversee the lengthy and complicated application to the NYS comptroller's office. She has worked tirelessly on our behalf and will continue to do so until this is submitted and submitted properly. We owe her a debt of gratitude.

   In other good news, Supervisor Frank Quinn has also been working on our behalf. He has submitted requests for funding to NYS Senator Hugh Farley, NYS Assemblyman Jim Tedisco, and US Representative Mike McNulty. In addition, he might have a possible federal source for lower interest financing. I hope to hear more on this soon.

   Hope to see you on April 4th!