With the budget now behind us and the legislature coming back into session next week, my office has been particularly busy, meeting with groups and individuals, hosting community forums, and fighting for our area’s fair share – especially in regards to school aid.

A key provision of the budget was the extension of the New York State Historic Homeownership Rehabilitation Tax Credit, which will cover 20% of qualified rehabilitation costs of structures, up to a credit of $50,000. Homes must be owner-occupied and listed on a state, or national register of historic places, or a contributing building in a historic district. To qualify, at least $5,000 must be expended on work and at least 5% of the total project must be spent on the exterior of the building. For more information, visit the state’s Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation website.

Here are a few highlights of numerous community events and accomplishments from the past few weeks and upcoming events that I thought would be of interest:

• I cannot say how thrilled I was for both the University at Albany’s men’s and women’s basketball teams for making into the NCAA national tournament. Although they came incredibly close to making two major upsets, their performance – on and off the court, especially in the work they do in our community – is to be commended. Here’s a photo from the “Celebration of Champions.”
• Although the Delmar Farmers Market doesn’t officially start until June 1st, join friends, neighbors, and I on Saturday, April 13 from 9 a.m. to noon at Bethlehem Middle School for conversation, live music, and refreshments.
• Albany High School’s theatre ensemble is proud to present “West Side Story” next weekend. The show begins at 7 p.m. on April 18, 19, and 20, with a 2 p.m. performance on April 21. Tickets are $15 for adults, $5 for seniors and students. Albany High has had an incredible legacy of theatrical success, including an appearance at the International Fringe Festival in Scotland.
• Go Green Day will take place on April 27 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Farnsworth Middle School in Guilderland. This family-friendly event will include a “recycling extravaganza,” a Chefs Consortium Food Tent, and much more.

Please join me on Friday, May 17 in biking to our next “Community Coffee” event in Albany at the Hudson River Coffee House (227 Quail Street, Albany), which is also National Bike to Work Day. These events are an outstanding way for me to interact with you in your respective neighborhoods. More information can be found here.