Get your ackee: Linstead Market brings taste of the islands to Central

The first thing you notice when you walk into Linstead Market and Island Cafe is the pumping reggae music, which is fitting, given that the specialty grocery store is named after a Jamaican folksong.

Owner, Delcita Mitchell opened the store 15 years ago on Lexington to cater to Caribbean transplants and the local community. Last year, she moved Linstead to Central Avenue, hoping that the new location would be busier--and it has been, she says.

Mitchell carries a large selection of African and Carribean mainstays, including ackee, the national dish of Jamaica, callaloo, jerk seasoning, curry powder, pounded yam, plantains, and farina. She also serves a range of Island dishes at the Jamaican Grill, which is the cafe side of the business. The handwritten menu behind the cash register announces a mouth-watering array of traditional prepared foods including curry chicken, oxtail soup, porridge, jerk chicken, ackee and cod fish, and brown stew snapper. Mitchell does a bustling lunch business. Customers can sit at one of the metal and formica tables at the back of the store or take their food to go. Prices start at $1.50 for a beef patty or fried chicken leg and go up to $14.50 for a dinner of ackee and cod fish. All dinners are served with cabbage and plantains, and your choice of white rice and peas or dumplings with yams and bananas.

"Come in and try the food," Mitchell urges. "It's tasty."

Linstead Market and Island Cafe is located at 109 Central Avenue. The store is open Monday through Saturday 9am-9pm. For more information, call 434-0092.

Albany Assessment Review Board Opening

Albany Board of Assessment Review Opening
Application Deadline: February 2, 2011

Dear Friend:

There is currently one opening on the Albany Board of Assessment Review
which is appointed by the Common Council.  This is the Board that
considers property owner challenges to their assessments during the
annual grievance period in May-June.  Below is additional information on
the Board and the process for submitting a letter of interest and
application for appointment.  The deadline for applications is February
2.  This is a very important Board, if you or someone you know is
interested please consider submitting an application.

Richard Conti
President Pro Tempore
Albany Common Council Member 6th Ward

City of Albany
Common Council

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS


The Albany Common Council is seeking applications from qualified
residents of the City of Albany for the following position:

Title of Position:

Member, Board of Assessment Review

Term of Appointment:

Immediate for a term ending 9/30/15

Position Responsibilities/Duties:

The sole purpose of the Board of Assessment review is to guarantee
taxpayer rights by hearing real property assessment complaints
(grievances) and arriving at fair and impartial determinations regarding
those complaints.  Members of the Board should be individuals with
knowledge of property values within the municipality and must attend and
complete a training course in order to participate in the hearing and
determinations of assessment complaints.

The training course will not exceed four hours in length and shall
include, but not be limited to, the functions, duties and
responsibilities of the Board of Assessment Review, assessment review
and assessment procedures, and exemption administration.  Additional
topics may include real property tax legislation, judicial decisions and
administrative opinions.

The Board's work will primarily take place during a five week period;
May 25 through June 30.  Members of the Board should expect to work five
days a week, eight hours a day during that period.  This should be
considered a full-time job during that period.  Board members will be
compensated $1,000 annually during their term of appointment.

In addition to hearing grievances and making determinations as part of
the regular grievance process, board members will also assist property
owners with preliminary assessed valuations and informal challenges.

Statutory Authority:

NYS Real Property Tax Law, section 523


Application Requirement:

Applicants are requested to submit a letter of intent describing
qualifications and include a current resume to:

Cashawna Parker
Senior Legislative Aide
Albany Common Council – Room 206
City Hall
Albany, NY 12207

Tel:            434-5087
Fax:            434-5081
               e-mail:         parkerc@ci.albany.ny.us

Applicants will be interviewed by a selected committee of the Common
Council prior to appointment.

Deadline for Applications:      Close of business, Wednesday, February 2,
2011.



Policy Statement

The Common Council is committed to assuring that its appointments to
city boards, authorities, commissions or committees is representative of
the diversity of Albany's population.  Consistent with the City of
Albany Human Rights Law, it is the policy of the Common Council to
prohibit discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, national
origin, sexual orientation, gender, age, disability, marital or domestic
partner status in all aspects of its personnel policies, programs,
practices and operations.

Second Time Around offers new life for donated goods

Wedding dresses. Formal gowns. Outgrown baby clothes and bassinets. Wouldn't it be great if these items could be used again? Second Time Around, the new thrift store behind Mohawk Ambulance offers a second chance for used goods, and profits go to fund City Harvest Family Church missions overseas, says coordinator Ann Pratt.

Second Time Around sells clothing for men, women and children, as well as home furnishings at a steep discount. The merchandise is donated, the staff is volunteer, and the profits are given away, making the store a kind of epicenter of giving. And that's the point, says Pratt.

The thrift store is a way to reach out to the surrounding community, and connect them with other church programs, many of which are housed in the same building, Pratt says. One such program, Angelfood, provides boxes of food to families and seniors at a discount. Customers can choose from a variety of packages, including the Bread of Life box, which promises to provide a week's worth of meals for a family of four for $31, or the Just 4 Me After School Box, which provides afterschool snacks for a week for a scant $16, or the Fast and Flavorful Cuisine, which provides convenience meals for seniors for just $28. These boxes are not a hand-out, Pratt says, "they're a hand-up."

Soon, the building will also be home to an internet cafe that Pratt hopes will attract more neighbors, including clients of Saint Anne's Institute. The building also houses some low-cost apartments for families in need, she says.

Second Time Around is located at 181 N. Main Street, behind the Mohawk Ambulance Garage. The store is open Thursday 10am-2pm, Friday 10am-2pm, and Saturday 11am-3pm. For more information, contact the store at 632-1012.

Business Council President Kenneth Adams nominated to run ESD

Governor Andrew Cuomo today announced the nomination of Kenneth Adams, President of the Business Council of NYS to be President and CEO of ESDC. Kenneth is a good friend who has been a strong supporter of NYSEDC and the economic development agenda we have championed. NYSEDC looks forward to partnering with Kenneth and Governor Cuomo in our mutual efforts to move New York forward.

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo Nominates Kenneth Adams to Serve as President and CEO of ESDC

ALBANY, NY (01/27/2011)(readMedia)--

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the nomination of Kenneth Adams as President and CEO of the Empire State Development Corporation (ESDC). Governor Cuomo said the appointment is part of his plan to change the leadership structure of ESDC, separating the CEO and Chairperson functions.

"With Ken Adams as President and CEO, the Empire State Development Corporation will fuel New York-based innovation and create jobs at home while helping to transform the state into a world-class center for business and new ideas," Governor Cuomo said. "As I said in my State of the State address, we need a strong voice to help say that New York is 'open for business.' A fast growing and forward-thinking economy begins with changing the state's business climate to attract and maintain cutting-edge companies. Ken is clearly the right person at the right time for New York and I thank him for agreeing to serve the people of the state. He succeeds Dennis Mullen, who has been a tireless advocate for business, marketing and growth for our state and I thank him for his dedication to New York."

Kenneth Adams has been President and CEO of The Business Council of New York State, the state's leading business association, since 2006. Mr. Adams has led the organization in its mission of creating "economic growth, good jobs and strong communities across New York State." The Business Council represents nearly 2,500 member businesses, chambers of commerce and professional and trade associations, employing a total of more than 1 million New Yorkers.

Prior to leading the Business Council, Mr. Adams was President of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce and Director of the MetroTech Business Improvement District in Downtown Brooklyn. Kenneth was also the founding Executive Director of New York Cares, New York City's leading volunteer organization, from 1988 to 1994.

Mr. Adams serves on the Empire State Stem Cell Board, the Board of Directors of the Brooklyn Community Foundation and the Steering Committee of the Association for a Better New York. He is vice-chair of the Board of Directors of the Brooklyn Youth Chorus Academy. He also serves on the City University of New York Business Leadership Council, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Committee of 100 and the Council of State Chambers.

Mr. Adams will also serve as Commissioner of the Department of Economic Development. A Chairperson for ESDC will also be chosen who will bring a specific understanding of the issues facing economic development in Upstate New York.

In his new role, Mr. Adams will work closely with Lieutenant Governor Robert Duffy to implement Regional Economic Development Councils across the state. Mr. Adams was also recently named to Governor Cuomo's Task Force on Mandate Relief, tasked with finding ways to reduce the costs of mandated programs, identify mandates that are ineffective and outdated, and determine how school districts and local governments can have greater ability to control expenses.

Kevin Burke, President and CEO of Con Edison said, "Ken knows doing business in New York can be like swimming upstream, but now he is in a position to change the tide. Business leaders know and trust him, and for good reason. His knowledge and dedication will help New York reclaim its place as a national pro-business leader and center for job creation. We commend Governor Cuomo for his wise choice and we look forward to working closely with our partners in government so we can once again declare New York 'Open for Business.'"

Kirk P. Gregg, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer for Corning, Inc. said, "New York is poised for great things with the addition of Ken Adams to state government. He is a true professional who will work diligently to achieve real results for struggling communities across New York. We applaud Governor Cuomo's emphasis on job-creation and transforming New York into a business-friendly destination for everything from entrepreneurs to major global corporations."

Denis Hughes, President of the AFL-CIO, said, "Ken is a good friend and someone who can do a great job at ESDC. He has a full understanding of New York's economy and businesses, and he is someone that the Labor Movement can work with for the betterment of our state. I'm very happy for Ken and I applaud his appointment."

Linda Sanford, Senior Vice President for Enterprise Transformation at IBM Corporation, said, "Kenneth and I worked in close partnership on the Business Council of New York for many years. He is a proven leader, and that's exactly what New York needs at this critical time. Governor Cuomo has outlined a vision of making New York State business-friendly, and I can think of no one better to make that vision a reality than Kenneth. I commend the Governor on his selection and look forward to working with Kenneth as he embarks on this new endeavor."

Rob Simpson, President of CenterState CEO, said, "Governor Cuomo understands that for New York state to thrive once again, we need a strong private sector to lead the way. His choice of Ken Adams to head ESDC shows that he is serious about transforming New York. Ken will do wonders for New York's economic development and I applaud the governor on his choice."

Brian McMahon

Executive Director

New York State Economic Development Council

111 Washington Avenue, 6th Floor

Albany, NY 12210

Phone: (518) 426-4058 x3

Fax: (518) 426-4059

www.nysedc.org

Leadership. Advocacy. Professional Development.

You've got a ticket to ride: CDTA rolls out BusPlus on Central

If you ride the bus on Central Avenue, your commute just got easier. This winter, CDTA completed construction of 18 new BusPlus shelters on either side of Central Avenue. The shelters represent the next phase of the CDTA’s much touted BusPlus program on Central, which will be officially rolled out April 4.

The BusPlus program offers faster trips between Albany and Schenectady by providing buses that make limited stops. These easily recognizable red and silver buses will stop only at the busiest intersections, now marked with CDTA’s new matching shelters. Bus riders can take shelter from the wintry weather inside the new red and silver shelters and wait for their bus on comfortable benches.

CDTA hopes people enjoy the new BusPlus shelters—enough to start taking the bus more often. “We hope they enjoy them enough to ride,” says Margo Janack, CDTA spokesperson.

These new express buses which will also make use of new technology like traffic signal preference, priority at traffic lights, and up-to-the-minute arrival time information, all making your bus ride more convenient.

Plus, when the new BusPlus service is unveiled April 4, everyone rides for free, Janack says. Riders can try out the BusPlus route for free the first two weeks, a promotion CDTA hopes will help introduce many new people to public transportation.

BusPlus service on Route 5 will be the first of a proposed 100-mile rapid transit network with Washington Avenue and Western Avenue the next areas slated for BusPlus.

Central is the busiest travel corridor in the Capital Region, serving more than 3.5 million CDTA riders each year.

Beginning April 4, BusPlus Service will operate Monday-Friday from 4AM to Midnight, 6am to 11pm Saturdays, and 7am-6pm Sundays. For more information, visit the CDTA website www.cdta.org

Wavers hail tax season: Liberty Taxes out in full force

As you pass Liberty Tax Services near Hannaford Plaza, the Statue of Liberty that stands out in front of the building comes to life. Decked out in robes and the famous tiara, this statue is anything but frozen. Instead, the statue leaps up and down, waving enthusiastically at the passing cars.

"It's our number one marketing tool," says Ed Welch, owner of four Liberty Tax Services, including two locations on Central Avenue. Liberty Tax Services is one of the fastest growing tax services nationally, Welch says, owing in part to these employees.

Each year, Liberty hires people to stand in front of the store and attract customers. Known as "wavers," these employees are encouraged to dance and ham it up for the passing traffic. They also wave signs around advertising discounts at Liberty. The best wavers are animated. "You don't want someone who just stands there with his hands in his pockets," Welch says.

Unfortunately, the busiest time of the tax year, January 25 to February 7, can also be the coldest. Special precautions are taken so that wavers don't suffer, Welch assures. They're encouraged to bundle up, and they are even issued hand warmers. They take frequent breaks, coming inside the nearby store to warm up and get a hot cup of coffee. If the weather is too frigid, they're given the option not to work, he says. Many wavers come back year after year.

Liberty Tax Service was established in 1996 and it the third largest tax prep business in the country. The business specializes in individual income tax preparation, but can also assist with business returns. Rates vary based on complexity of the return, but a typical return costs between $100 and $300, Welch says. Liberty is open Monday through Saturday from 9am-9pm and on Sundays, from 12pm-5pm.

Liberty Tax Service is located at 157 Central and 900 Central. For more information, contact the offices at 453-2330 or visit the website at www.libertytax.com.

Community Loan Fund Small business class

The Capital District Community Loan Fund offer a small business class beginning January 29^th for its next 8 week session. The class is a great opportunity to learn some of the basics you need (or someone you know) to get started in business. Business Plans, legal issues, reading financial statements, understanding what questions to ask your accountant, lawyer, or insurance person - these are some of the things you will learn in this practical leaning opportunity. The class is modestly priced and geared for the micro-enterprise business of five or fewer people but any business is likely to benefit. There is a charge for the class but it is extremely reasonable. You will receive training and support from Dr. Michael Mathews and other instructors from the College of Saint Rose School of Business, and professionals in the community. Please refer to the attached FLYER to sign up for the course or pass it to others who may have an interest.

See attached Flyer for details and sign up information..

Planned Parenthood moves to Central

In September, Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood relocated its Lark Street offices and health center to the newer, more modern facilities at 855 Central--and staffers say they couldn't be happier. "We're thrilled to be in your district," says Blue Carreker, Vice President for Public Affairs and Marketing at Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood.

The new 18,000 square feet facility on the third floor of the 855 office building includes administrative offices, a teen center, a health center, and conference facilities, says Carreker.

"We've increased capacity by 50%," Carreker says. "That allows us to see a lot more patients." Currently, the agency sees about 8,000 patients a year, and that demand is rising, she says.

The move also allows the center to increase its education and outreach capacity. The agency's new teen center is bigger and more accessible to area high school students, and Carreker says the teens who work there are very happy with their new, roomier digs.

The move was made possible by a capital campaign that successfully raised $1.692 million, says Carreker. The agency still needs to raise about $250,000, she says.

The new Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood offices are located at 855 Central Avenue. For more information or to book an appointment, please call 434-5678 or visit the website at www.plannedparenthood.org/uhpp/