Category Archives: Environment / Development

Documentary Series Produced By NYSERDA Showcases State’s Clean Energy Innovations

August 15, 2023

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) announced a new documentary series created by Roadtrip Nation: “Empowered State,” that showcases New York State’s abundant clean energy innovation and green job opportunities, as it follows three young adults who travel throughout the Empire State to see the exciting, clean energy transition already underway, and the meaningful clean energy careers driving it.

This documentary series highlights the impact of New York state’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (Climate Act) in demonstrating a clean energy economy results in new economic development opportunities statewide and supports long-term jobs across all sectors.

Doreen M. Harris, President and CEO, NYSERDA said, “Integral to Governor Hochul’s commitment to economic development across the State, is ensuring a just clean energy transition for all New Yorkers and fostering a robust pipeline of clean energy workers. This inspiring documentary, which also includes industry insights from clean energy experts, will help raise awareness about the exciting green job opportunities in New York and across the country and encourage aspiring workers to consider joining the clean energy economy at this pivotal time in United States history, as it is the future of tomorrow that we are building today.”

Roadtrip Nation created the four-part series, “Empowered State,” which was made possible with support from NYSERDA. The series documents the journey of Leila Tevlin, 19, a current student at Elmira College; David Yang, 21, a recent Columbia University graduate; and Julia Dworetzky, 23, an Energy Engineer at Goldman Copeland in New York City. \The trio traveled 975 miles in 21 days, beginning in Buffalo and ending in Long Island, and conducted 10 insightful interviews with clean energy professionals across the Empire State.

These industry experts represent various clean energy sectors including: high-efficiency buildings, heat pump technology, wind and solar energy, energy storage, hydro power, clean transportation, and community sustainability.

Hilltop Construction Now Headquartered In Queensbury With New Offices, Warehouses

August 15, 2023

From left, Hilltop Construction co-owners Dan Washburn, April Washburn and Tom Albrecht Jr. stand in the company’s new offices at 21 Casey Road in Queensbury.

by Christine Graf

Hilltop Construction is putting the finishing touches on a new office/warehouse headquarters at 21 Casey Road in Queensbury.

The 10,000-square-foot facility is being built on two lots located in the Airport Industrial Park.

“Our company is growing, and we needed space for expansion,” said co-owner Dan Washburn.

Warren-Washington Industrial Development Agency sold the two vacant industrial park lots to Hilltop Construction for $40,500.

Washburn’s in-laws, Tom and Cindy Albrecht founded Hilltop Construction in 1975. After the couple retired two years ago, Washburn, along with his wife April Washburn and brother-in-law Tom Albrecht Jr., assumed control of the business.

Hilltop Construction builds custom homes that range in price from $400,000 to $5 million. The homes are located throughout the Capital Region and the Adirondacks.

“We’ve done a lot of work in Schroon Lake, Brant Lake and Lake George,” said Washburn.

State Has Funds Available For Electric Vehicle Charging Station Infrastructure

August 15, 2023

Some $29 million has been allocated in new York state for electric vehicle Level 2 charging infrastructure under Charge Ready NY 2.0 and consumer rebates through the Drive Clean Rebate Program.

The incentive and rebate programs mean more New Yorkers can drive electric as New York state reached a milestone of 150,000 EVs on the road in June 2023.

The funding supports the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 85 percent by 2050 and New York state’s requirement that all new passenger cars, pickup trucks, and SUVs sold in the state be zero emission by 2035, officials said.

“New York’s climate and clean transportation leadership is reducing air pollution and emissions through solution-based investments in charging infrastructure and rebates,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said. “Providing cleaner air in communities that face high vehicle traffic, particularly those that are historically marginalized, is an essential step to improving the state’s quality of life while building a more sustainable future for residents, workers and visitors alike.”

Under the program, some $15 million was added to Charge Ready NY 2.0, to support EV charger installation at workplaces and multifamily buildings statewide, as well as public facilities located in disadvantaged communities. This program can help eligible entities save up to 50 percent on installation costs for Level 2 chargers, which are ideal for locations where a car will be parked for a few hours and can provide up to 25 miles of electric range for each hour charged.

Officials said the program has $12 million available for charging station installation at workplaces and multifamily buildings with an incentive of $2,000 per port, and $2,500 per port in a disadvantaged community. Publicly owned facilities in a disadvantaged community are eligible for $4,000 per port.

Glen Street Associates Will Renovate Property at 20 Maple Avenue In Glens Falls

August 15, 2022

Peter Hoffman of Glen Street Associates stands in front of the former Morgan Stanley building at 20 Maple St. in Glens Falls which he purchased for $275,000.
Glens Falls Business Jouranl

By Christine Graf

Developer Peter Hoffman of Glen Street Associates is partnering with the youngest of his four children, daughter Christiana, on what will be his 20th local development project.

The pair purchased the former Morgan Stanley building at 20 Maple St. in Glens Falls for $275,000.

Hoffman, a Clifton Park native, was introduced to the world of property development by his father. From the time he was a young boy, he had a hammer in his hand and a nail apron around his waist.

“I started with my father when I was 11 years old,” he said. “He was an amazing developer and I started by following him around. Along the way we became partners. He taught me the business, and we were partners up until 1983 when I went out on my own and did some other things in my life.”

After spending 20 years in the restaurant, car wash, and real estate industry, Hoffman re-entered the development world in 2001. It was because of his wife, Suzanne, that he chose to work in and around Glens Falls. During her time as a New York state trooper, she had grown to love the city.

State Funds Will Help Construct A 60-Unit Affordable Housing Project In Corinth

August 15, 2022

By Paul Post

The state is providing $7.3 million to help fund a proposed $21 million, 60-unit affordable housing complex, called Riverview Apartments, in the village of Corinth.

A spring 2023 groundbreaking by Saratoga Springs-based Bonacio Construction Co. is planned.

The project is a joint venture between Corinth-based Hudson River Community Credit Union and RISE Housing and Support Services, a Saratoga Springs nonprofit organization founded in 1978, whose mission is helping people with mental health, substance use and other life challenges stay safe and healthy in the community.

Officials said 30 apartments will be reserved for homeless individuals with mental health illnesses who will have access to rental subsidies and on-site supportive services. The project will create eight jobs, including two case workers and a registered nurse to support residents.

Another 15 apartments will be strictly for seniors and there will be 15 more for community residents.

Three years ago, the credit union’s board of directors identified quality, affordable housing as the biggest challenge faced by many of its members living in Corinth.

“Corinth residents will be given priority when it comes to housing to ensure that members of the community most in need are the ones receiving the assistance the project was designed to help,” credit union CEO Sue Commanda said. “However, individuals from other communities will also be able to apply and live in the building.”

The 66,816-square-foot structure will be on a three-acre parcel, which the credit union donated. It is located near the intersection of Pine Street and Fifth Avenue.

National Commercial Solar Harnesses Energy For Businesses And Homes In New York

August 13, 2021

Brent McDevitt is the founder and president of National Commercial Solar Advisors Inc., which has an office in Queensbury. The company has simplified the process of going solar for businesses.
Lisa Balschunat

By Lisa Balschunat

National Commercial Solar Advisors Inc., with its office in Queensbury, is harnessing energy for businesses and residential properties in New York state, New Jersey and Vermont, and has its sights on Florida next, according to president and founder Brent McDevitt.

Established in 2019, the company has simplified the process of “going solar” for businesses, communities and public organizations by providing customers with a comprehensive proposal and package that makes the process seamless. With nine years of experience in the solar industry and previously aligned with Apex Solar, McDevitt said that he “knew the industry would pop” and wanted to be a part of it.

“When businesses invest in commercial solar energy they can significantly reduce their operating costs and potentially save tens of thousands of dollars over time,” McDevitt said. “This allows businesses to free up cash flow to use in other areas, and of course, utilize a green energy source that is good for the environment.”

Solar panels do not require any additional maintenance to a building or property and McDevitt stated that most systems are guaranteed for up to 25 years.

“Businesses who invest in solar energy receive a 26 percent federal income tax credit and 100 percent bonus depreciation” he said. The company offers customers looking to go solar with a total package of upfront services including a comprehensive proposal, site visit, design plans, state and federal application assistance through to a final contract.

“We’ve installed EV charging stations at The Sagamore Resort, The Inn at Erlowest, the Town of Queensbury, and at other hotels, resorts and bed and breakfasts in the Lake George region,” he said. “Right now, we are super proud to be working with our first five-star hotel, Mirror Lake Inn in Lake Placid, to establish commercial solar and EV Charging Stations there.

Stewart’s Shops Adding High-Powered Electric Car Charging Stations At Stores

August 13, 2021

Stewart’s Shops added its first NYPA EVolve Electric Vehicle Fast Charging Station in Schodack. Officials said they can charge an electric vehicle in just 15 to 30 minutes.
Courtesy Stewart’s Shops

Stewart’s Shops is adding electric car battery charging statiuons across its many stores..

The company broke ground on its first NYPA EVolve Electric Vehicle Fast Charging Station on July 1 in Schodack.

Officials said the chargers are powerful enough to provide a full charge to a electric vehicle in just 15 to 30 minutes.

The DC fast chargers have three kind of plugs to make sure an electric vehicle of choice can stop in and get a charge on the go. EVolve New York’s chargers are available to all non-Tesla electric vehicles.

Officials said some charging stations will have a Tesla adapter.

Stewart’s Shops currently has three Tesla supercharging stations throughout New York with plans to expand the program by installing two more by the end of 2021.

The Stewart’s Shops charging station in Schodack will be fully operational by September and is just one of five EV charging stations that Stewart’s Shops plans to open by the end of the year.

The Schodack EV charging station is an extension of Stewart’s Shops current EV Charging program. As part of NYPA’s EVolve New York Clean Energy Initiative, they plan for other charging stations at Stewart’s Shops locations throughout New York state in Moreau, Latham, Keene and Clifton Park.

Glen Street Associates Moves On With Its Specialty Of Bringing Old Buildings To Life

August 13, 2021

Peter and Suzanne Hoffman are overseeing the renovation of the old post office on Warren St. in Glens Falls. Historic features of the building and its character were preserved.

by Andrea Harwood Palmer

Glen Street Associates LLC is nearing completion on several projects in downtown Glens Falls.

Peter Hoffman, real estate developer and principal of Glen Street Associates LLC, with his wife Suzanne Hoffman,co-owner of the company, has been involved for several years in projects that involve renovation of older structures in the downtown area.

“It really is fun,” Hoffman said. “At my stage of life, I don’t want to build plywood buildings. I really love the restoration projects. When you get done and you see the vitality of the space—when you hear people say it’s fun to work in this space, with high ceilings, or post and beam, or brick walls—it becomes really gratifying.”

Hoffman said the renovation of the old Post Office building at 67 Warren St. is nearly complete. Historic features and the building’s character were preserved, while the infrastructure and utilities were thoroughly updated, he said.

When completed, the Social Security Administration will move into the ground floor. The second story of the building is currently occupied by Glen Street Associates, which relocated from its 100 Glen St. offices.

Hoffman purchased the building in 2011 for $150,000, from St. Mary’s Catholic Church located next door. The church was seeking permission to demolish the building when Hoffman learned of the plans and made an offer to purchase it.

Another project was the renovation of the former Red Cross building at 74 Warren St. That is completed and the space is rented. The ground floor is occupied by commercial tenants, while the second story is a high- end residential apartment. The parking lot was recurbed and refinished with green space and new exterior lighting.

PR Company Focusing On ‘Green’ Companies Lands Clients Including SUNY Albany

August 13, 2021

Sustainable PR, a public relations agency based in Glens Falls, specializing in media services for green companies, has added three new clients: Glens Falls Urban Agriculture Pilot; (re) x, a California eco-friendly design company; and the University at Albany’s School of Business.

The agency will promote these green-focused clients in ways that will help them deliver on their sustainably focused missions and goals, the company said.

“There’s a combination of factors driving the sustainability marketplace,” said Tony DeFazio, principal of Sustainable PR. “The ebbing of the COVID-19 pandemic is turbocharging the U.S. economy. Additionally, President Biden has launched public policy initiatives to ‘green’ the economy to compete globally, especially with China.

“And the growing awareness and acceptance by consumers of the importance of sustainable practices to counter climate change, is creating a perfect storm of opportunity for entrepreneurs and the advisors who serve them.”

The Glens Falls Urban Agriculture Pilot, a pioneering private/public initiative sponsored by the City of Glens Falls, engaged Sustainable PR to generate exposure for its new vertical farming system. This project will develop and refine a self-contained vertical farming system, designed to grow a wide variety of vegetables, herbs, and plants at site-independent locations year-round.

The goal of this project will be to help communities across New York state pursue a green path of recovery through the post-COVID era of economic transition.

High-Tech Designs Improve Movement Flow For People In Apartments And Businesses

August 14, 2020August 14, 2020

This is the new Stewart’s Shop prototype in Port Henry, built by Hilltop Construction. The interior is larger, which allows the company to have more grocery space in its stores.
Courtesy Stewart’s Shops

By Lisa Balschunat
When Atrium Properties of Clifton Park was awarded two town contracts, the company began working on the projects by incorporating new design techniques and technology that creates an efficient transfer of information,said Jacqueline Phillips Murray, a member of the Plank Road Centre LLC.
Rob Holbrook, president of V&H Construction, of Fort Edward, which built the new Common Roots Brewing Co. in South Glens Falls, agrees that new digital design techniques provide a field crew at the site with real-time changes they can pull up on a tablet, instead of waiting for a hard copy blueprint change as in earlier years.
“The change can be emailed to the project manager and the information can be given quickly to the guys at the site,” he said. “They can blow up a drawing or sketch and see the details on a tablet or smart phone easily … that was not possible Fyears ago with just a print.”