Schenectady
Local news and civic information for Schenectady, New York
Latest News
Judge Approves New York's Ban on ICE Agreements, Blocks Mask Ban
A federal judge in the Northern District of New York has ruled that New York State’s ban on agreements between local governments and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is valid under state law. The ruling allows for the prohibition of formal 287(g) agreements, which permit ICE to work directly with local police departments to enforce immigration laws. However, the judge also blocked a provision in the same legislation that would have prohibited ICE agents from wearing masks while performing their duties. Additionally, Governor Kathy Hochul signed several measures into law aimed at limiting cooperation between state and local entities and ICE, including prohibitions on holding individuals for ICE and banning formal agreements with ICE.
NYC's Luxury Second-Home Tax Survives Temporary Court Block
A Staten Island judge initially blocked Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s luxury second-home tax in New York City. However, the city quickly appealed this decision, lifting the temporary restraining order and allowing the rollout to continue until a higher court rules on the matter. The tax is designed to help close a $500 million budget deficit by imposing taxes on second homes valued at more than $5 million.
Omar Sterling McGill Joins Schenectady Mayoral Race Focusing on Neighborhoods and Housing
County Legislator Omar Sterling McGill has entered the race for mayor of Schenectady. In an interview with CBS6, McGill emphasized his campaign's focus on strengthening neighborhoods and improving housing conditions in the city. He highlighted the importance of affordable housing and diverse home ownership to enhance residents' quality of life. Additionally, McGill discussed the need for better infrastructure such as walkable sidewalks and drivable streets free from potholes. His goal is to prioritize resident needs and foster a strong relationship between the mayor's office and the city council.
Schenectady City Council Urged to Adopt Policy for Extended Absences
The Schenectady City Council is facing a situation where a councilwoman's seat was vacant for nearly six months due to her extended absence. The article suggests that the city needs to establish clear policies regarding how long an elected official can be absent before their position must be vacated or filled. This recommendation comes after a prolonged period of uncertainty and conflict over replacing the absent council member, highlighting the need for a more structured approach to address such issues in the future.
Judge Upholds New York's Ban on ICE Agreements While Blocking Mask Ban
A federal judge in the Northern District of New York has ruled that New York State's ban on agreements between local governments and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), known as 287(g) agreements, is constitutional. The ruling supports the state’s argument that such bans are necessary to protect public welfare and manage state resources effectively. However, the judge also blocked a provision in the law prohibiting ICE agents from wearing masks. Additionally, Governor Kathy Hochul signed several measures into law aimed at limiting cooperation between local authorities and ICE, including prohibitions on holding individuals for ICE and banning formal agreements with ICE.
Schenectady Residents Sue Over Pied-à-Terre Tax Implementation
A lawsuit has been filed against the Mamdani administration in New York City over the implementation of a tax on luxury second homes. The plaintiffs, represented by former First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro, are challenging the city's rollout of this tax aimed at closing the budget deficit and taxing the wealthy. Meanwhile, another lawsuit targets New York State’s lead paint regulations, arguing they do not meet state law requirements for preventing lead poisoning. Additionally, advocates urge Governor Kathy Hochul to sign Kyra’s Law, which would prioritize child safety in custody disputes following a tragic murder-suicide case involving a 2-year-old. Environmental groups also push for the governor to approve legislation limiting PFAS in drinking water amid recent severe weather events.
Save A Lot to Anchor $115M Hamilton Hill Redevelopment in Schenectady
Save A Lot will anchor a $115 million redevelopment project in Schenectady's Hamilton Hill neighborhood, addressing the area’s food desert status. The project includes a full-service grocery store of 17,250 square feet and is scheduled to open by spring 2028. This mixed-use development, supported by New York State, Schenectady County Metroplex Development Authority, The Community Builders, Five Corners Development, and Save A Lot, will also provide 171 units of affordable and workforce housing, including 36 supportive-housing units, along with greenspace, a playground, and parking. Governor Kathy Hochul announced the plans on July 21, highlighting the store's offerings such as fresh produce, meat cut in-store, private label products, and household essentials.
Downtown Schenectady Launches Community Gift Cards to Boost Local Businesses
The Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corporation (DSIC) has introduced the Downtown Dollars program aimed at supporting local businesses. The initiative involves a virtual community gift card available for purchase online and usable at over 40 participating locations in downtown Schenectady. These cards can be easily added to Apple or Google wallets, allowing users to spend them via tap-to-pay technology. Maureen Neufeld, DSIC's executive director, emphasized the program’s goal of making it simpler for community members to support local businesses and keep spending within the area.
Mayor Parker Unveils FY27 Budget for Schenectady
Mayor Parker has released the Fiscal Year 2027 budget for Schenectady. The General Fund, which is the city's main operating budget, covers essential services such as police and fire protection, trash collection, parks, libraries, among others. This budget highlights new funding allocations by Mayor Parker and areas where spending will increase due to unavoidable obligations. Residents are encouraged to engage with their local council members regarding the proposed budget.
Schenectady Aquatic Center Plans to Be Discussed at Town Hall
A town hall meeting is scheduled for August 4, 2026, at the Schenectady County Public Library's main branch to discuss plans for a proposed SUNY Schenectady Aquatic Center. The project, estimated to cost $105 million, has been controversial among residents. Mayoral hopeful Orlondo Otis Hundley sees this as an opportunity for disenfranchised taxpayers to voice their concerns and opinions.
Advocates Urge Hochul to Sign PFAS Ban Amid Algal Bloom Concerns
Environmental advocates are urging New York Governor Kathy Hochul to sign legislation that would ban the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water. The push comes as recent heavy rains have raised concerns about algal blooms, which can be exacerbated by PFAS contamination. Vanessa Fajans-Turner, executive director of Environmental Advocates New York, noted that these storms are being referred to as 'thousand-year storms,' highlighting the urgency for action on PFAS legislation. Additionally, a lawsuit has been filed against the state's Department of Health over lead paint regulations, with petitioners arguing that the new rules do not meet the requirements set by recent state law.
Carl Williams Announces Run for Schenectady Mayor in 2027
City Council President Carl Williams has declared his intention to run for mayor of Schenectady in the November 2027 election. He stated that he will not seek re-election to the city council next year, focusing instead on his mayoral campaign. Williams joins a growing field of candidates including County Legislator Omar McGill and resident Orlondo Hundley. Mayor Gary McCarthy has yet to decide whether he will run for a fifth term. The article also mentions ongoing budget challenges facing Schenectady as it faces a shortfall heading into the 2027 budget talks.
Save A Lot to Anchor $115M Hamilton Hill Redevelopment in Schenectady
Save A Lot will be the centerpiece of a $115 million redevelopment project in Schenectady's Hamilton Hill neighborhood, addressing longstanding food desert issues. The full-service grocery store is scheduled for construction in 2027 and opening by spring 2028. This mixed-use development includes affordable housing units, greenspace, a playground, and parking spaces. New York State, the Schenectady County Metroplex Development Authority, The Community Builders, Five Corners Development, and Save A Lot are collaborating on this project. Governor Kathy Hochul announced the plans in July 2023. The site, formerly a car dealership, was purchased by the county legislature for $950,000 and will undergo remediation through New York State's Brownfield Cleanup Program.
Schenectady City Council President Carl Williams Announces Mayoral Run for 2027
Carl Williams, the current Schenectady City Council President, has officially declared his candidacy for mayor in the November 2027 election. He stated that he will not seek re-election to the city council next year and intends to focus entirely on securing the mayoral position. Williams emphasized that he sees this as a stepping stone rather than a long-term role, indicating either moving up or moving on from his current position.
Judge Approves New York's Ban on ICE Agreements While Blocking Mask Ban
A federal judge in the Northern District of New York has ruled that New York State’s ban on agreements between local governments and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), known as 287(g) agreements, is constitutional. The ruling supports the state's argument that such bans are a legitimate means to protect public welfare and manage state resources effectively. However, the judge also blocked part of the law prohibiting ICE agents from wearing masks. Additionally, Governor Kathy Hochul signed several immigration protection measures into law as part of the state budget, which include restrictions on local jails holding individuals for ICE and banning formal agreements with ICE.
Schenectady Mayor Defends Luxury Second Home Tax
Mayor Zohran Mamdani of Schenectady defended the implementation of a new tax on luxury second homes in response to criticism. The city has sent out 17,000 letters to homeowners who may be affected by this tax, which aims to address the budget deficit and fulfill his campaign promise of taxing the wealthy. Despite extending the deadline for exemption applications, Mamdani stated that engagement from New Yorkers is ongoing to determine the final number of impacted residents.
Schenectady Aquatic Center Plans to Be Discussed at Town Hall Meeting
A town hall meeting is scheduled for August 4, 2026, at the Schenectady County Public Library's main branch to discuss plans for a proposed SUNY Schenectady Aquatic Center. The event aims to provide an opportunity for community members to voice their opinions and concerns regarding the project. Mayoral hopeful Orlondo Otis Hundley sees this as a chance for disenfranchised taxpayers to speak up about the aquatic center and related issues.
Carl Williams Announces Run for Schenectady Mayor in 2027
City Council President Carl Williams has declared his candidacy for the mayor of Schenectady in the November 2027 election. He stated that he will not seek re-election to the city council next year, focusing instead on running for the mayoral position. Williams joins a growing field of candidates including Schenectady County Legislator Omar McGill and resident Orlondo Hundley. Mayor Gary McCarthy has yet to announce whether he will run for a fifth term.
Schenectady City Council President Carl Williams Announces Mayoral Run for 2027
Carl Williams, the current president of Schenectady's city council, has officially declared his candidacy for mayor in the November 2027 election. He stated that he will not seek re-election to the city council next year and plans to focus entirely on running for mayor. Williams emphasized his intention to either advance his career or move on from his current position, indicating a clear path forward towards the mayoral race. This announcement comes amidst ongoing discussions about the city's budget challenges, including projected revenue shortfalls.
Save A Lot to Anchor $115M Hamilton Hill Redevelopment in Schenectady
Save A Lot will anchor a $115 million redevelopment project in the Hamilton Hill neighborhood of Schenectady, NY. The project includes a full-service grocery store scheduled for construction in 2027 and opening by spring 2028. This development aims to address the area's status as a food desert with an emphasis on providing fresh, affordable produce and essential goods. Additionally, the initiative will create 171 units of housing, including 36 supportive-housing units, along with greenspace, a playground, and parking facilities. The project is a partnership between New York State, Schenectady County Metroplex Development Authority, The Community Builders, Five Corners Development, and Save A Lot.
Upcoming Meetings
Schenectady City Council Meeting
📅 2026-04-09 · 🕐 7:00 PM
📍 City Hall, 105 Jay Street, Schenectady
Schenectady County Legislature Session
📅 2026-04-21 · 🕐 7:00 PM
📍 Schenectady County Office Building, 620 State Street