Slow your roll: Nearly 13K drivers ticketed at Albany schools

Happy Tuesday, Capital District! Today, we’re helping you to avoid a fat $50 fine for speeding in front of Albany schools. Plus, get ready for a spooky-fun Halloween week 🎃 👻 

—Phat X. Chiem & Karley Sullivan

Watch your speed in front of Albany schools, y’all

12,895. That’s how many speeding tickets have been issued in Albany in just the first 10 days of its camera-enforced speeding deterrent program around city schools.

To put this in perspective, that’s 12.7% of the entire city population of 102,076 — more than 1 speeding ticket per 10 residents! But, some people got more than just one. An unfortunate driver of a 2019 Toyota Corolla racked up an astonishing 29 tickets during the first 10 days of enforcement, which began Oct. 6. At $50 a pop, that’s a total of $1,450 in fines 😬 

What’s going on here? Perhaps some drivers are still not aware that the city’s new school zone speed cameras are in full effect, and any vehicle caught by the cameras going 10 mph over the 20 mph speed limit will be automatically issued a ticket.

Avoid getting dinged for $50 with these hot tips:

• All of the school enforcement zones are listed here

• The enforcement period is 7 am to 6 pm on school days

• Take it from a fast driver: 20 mph seems unnaturally slow, especially on a 4-lane street. It’s easy to cruise through at 15-20 mph over the limit

• Fortunately, the violation is NOT reported to NYS or your insurance company

• A late fee of $25 will be added to the $50 fine if you don’t pay on time

• Watch for the photo enforcement signs and the tall black-and-white cameras (see photo above)

• By far, the most ticketed location was Eagle Point Elementary School, Western Avenue at Russell Road. The second worst location was Albany High School on Washington Avenue. Both of these schools are located on 4-lane thoroughfares, which encourages speeding!

Interestingly, for each $50 ticket, the city gets only $17. The rest goes to the camera company. Who negotiated that deal?? Even so, the city is expected to generate $6.4 million in new revenue from the program in the next year. That’s a 1,500% increase in revenue compared to the 2024 budget. Hopefully, the funds will be well spent 💸 The Times Union has the full story (gift article).

Bottom line: Slow your roll, folks!

🌞 WEATHER WATCH

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🗳️ We’ve already voted—have you? Early voting in NY continues through Sunday, Nov. 3. The Capital Region is going strong with thousands of votes already cast and passionate folks on both sides of the aisle. Not sure where to go? Check out this interactive map and list of locations [News 10]. And don’t miss our voter guide.

🏀 Albany's South End now has new recreational space. Phase Two of the South End Connector, a $1.7 million project that includes a two-way cycle path, food truck areas, and event spaces, is now open. Located beneath the I-787, the space also offers workout areas and a basketball court. The South End Connector aligns with future plans to partially dismantle the 787 in order to reconnect Albany with the Hudson riverfront [WAMC]

🍽️ Restaurant Roundup: The last TGI Fridays in the Capital Region has closed, joining numerous closures nationwide. Guilderland’s popular ​​Capital City Diner is set to reopen in a few weeks after a four-month renovation. Looking forward to Thanksgiving dinner—but don’t wanna cook or clean? 🥘 The Times Union has an early list of caterers to be thankful for.

This charming Dutch Colonial farmhouse is a true gentleman's farm. Located on over 5 acres in the Scotia-Glenville school district, the adorable property features a large, classic red barn with half bath and garage. The rolling acreage includes a healthy blend of natural woodlands and open fields. Mature apple and peach trees add to the idyllic setting. Built in 1910, the well-maintained farmhouse exudes a cozy charm that could be enhanced with a fresh coat of paint. Highlights include solid hardwood floors, first-floor laundry, central HVAC, updated electrical, and both wood-burning and gas fireplaces. If you’ve ever dreamt of the quiet country life, here’s your chance to do it authentically.

The deets: 4 bd, 2 ba, 2112 sf. Asking: $379,900. Days on market: 6. See the full listing here.

Henry the Tourism Gnome visits The Seasoning House in Troy

Our partner and favorite Capital Region ambassador, Henry the Tourism Gnome, made it out to The Seasoning House in Troy last week for its grand opening. Run by the husband-and-wife team of Mathieu Niamke and Raissa Doumbia, the restaurant serves up the authentic flavors of African cuisine. Main dishes include crispy chicken wings served with African spices, Africana sandwich (grilled beef, veggies and special sauce), jerk chicken, pork kebabs, salmon and tilapia plates. The couple hail from the West African nation of Côte d'Ivoire, and opened a restaurant in Pittsfield, MA, before settling in Troy. Stop by for some boldly spiced African fare—it’s not called The Seasoning House for nothing!

To see Henry’s latest adventures around the Capital District, follow him on Instagram and Facebook!

🎟️ WHAT’S HAPPENING

Note: Our full weekend roundup publishes on Thursdays. Check your inboxes!

🎃 Halloween is for Trick or Treating! Scare up some treats in your favorite neighborhood, or creep to one of these organized events: Malloween at Crossgates Mall and Trunk or Treat at Colonie Center are perfect for the little ones. Head downtown and get your treats at the Palace Theatre from 4-7pm. Albany Law will be handing out the goods from 5-7pm. Word on the street is that the Helderberg neighborhood is the Albany metro spot for good, old-fashioned door-knocking scares.

👻 Also, don’t miss our guide to Halloween parties for grownups!

🏎️ On Wednesday, 7 Plays / 7 Days kicks off in Schenectady. Working fast and furious, teams of playwrights, directors, performers and stage hands will put together a collection of 10 minute plays.

💡 Starting Friday, Troy Glow 2024 will light up downtown for a 10-day festival of lights. Glow installations will light up nightly from 4 to 11 pm.

🚘️ The Albany Auto Show opens on Friday at the MVP Arena.

🤘 Expect a parade of metal heads for GWAR at Empire Live on Saturday.

🏮 On Sunday evening, gather at the Washington Park Lakehouse for the 9th annual Albany Lantern Parade. It’s the perfect post-Halloween event to keep the spooky vibes going.

🎸 LIVE MUSIC & MORE