Niskayuna, New York Development News
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Police and Public Safety
Published: Jul 15, 2026
Police Department Announces Promotions, New Hires, and Pursues Grant Funding for Equipment
The Police Department is undergoing several personnel changes and seeking grant funding for equipment upgrades. Lieutenant Todd Frenyea is being promoted to Deputy Chief, having joined the department in 2007 and accumulated over 20 years of service. Sergeant Shamka Faga is set to be promoted to Lieutenant at the end of the month, bringing extensive experience in computer forensics and investigations. The department is also processing a lateral hire, Matthew Roden, from the Albany Police Department with one year of experience and prior Army National Guard service. Funding requests are being submitted for the Byrne grant (\$136,000) to support detective vehicles and cameras, and the Law Enforcement Tech Grant (up to \$125,000) to replace aging body-worn cameras and upgrade in-vehicle computers designed for harsh conditions.
Town Grapples with E-bike and Dirt Bike Safety Concerns, Considering New Ordinances and Educational Campaigns
The discussion highlighted significant confusion and safety concerns surrounding e-bikes and electric dirt bikes, drawing from national trends and local observations. Electric dirt bikes are often purchased by individuals who mistake them for e-bikes, leading to their illegal use on public roads. Modifications to e-bikes to increase speed, some reaching up to 50 mph, pose serious injury risks, as evidenced by increasing hospitalizations for e-bike related injuries in Los Angeles and national fatality data. The town is considering an ordinance to address these issues, including potentially mandating helmet use for all e-bike riders, distinguishing between the three classes of e-bikes (Class 1: manual pedal, up to 20 mph; Class 2: throttle, up to 20 mph; Class 3: no throttle, up to 28 mph), and regulating their use on roads based on speed limits, sidewalks, and multi-use paths. There is a desire for uniform county-wide rules to avoid confusion for riders traveling between municipalities. Concerns were raised about the safety of allowing e-bikes on certain roads with curves and narrow shoulders, and the difficulty of enforcement, particularly with modified bikes and the use of counterfeit classification stickers.
Grand Boulevard Safety Enhancements Include Red Paint Markings, Improved Crosswalks, and Bike Lane Discussions
The discussion centered on traffic safety improvements along Grand Boulevard, including the use of red-painted curb extensions and improved pedestrian crosswalks, such as the one at Palmer Avenue. The county's consideration of bike lanes was discussed, with a previous condition that the town prohibit parking on Grand Boulevard. Currently, the county is proceeding with parking and a traffic lane, incorporating decals in the traffic lane for potential bike use. There is ongoing discussion about the feasibility of bike lanes, considering the narrowness of the road, potential conflicts with parked cars, and the possibility of an asphalt bike lane in the green space. Sidewalk improvements, including concrete replacements for asphalt ones, are also being considered for the future. The use of red-colored pavement is intended to enhance visual boundaries between motorized and non-motorized traffic, identify routes, highlight dangerous intersections, and reinforce stopping laws, ultimately aiming to make pedestrian crossings safer for students accessing Van Antwerp Middle School.
Town Police Meeting Addresses ATV/Dirt Bike Violations, Crime Prevention, and Officer Training
The Police and Public Safety meeting addressed the illegal use of ATVs and dirt bikes on town roads, sidewalks, and property, clarifying the distinction between e-bikes and electric dirt bikes. An impound fee of \$2,350 was highlighted for violations, though a \$170 fee may be applied for first offenses involving electric dirt bikes due to public confusion. The meeting also covered ongoing efforts to combat opportunistic crime through preventative measures like securing vehicles and homes, and discussed a successful retail blitz operation resulting in 17 arrests. Officer Fernandez's completion of field training was noted, and updates were provided on ongoing speed zone surveys and the deployment of educational trailers regarding e-bike safety.
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The Niskayuna News archive
Zoning Board of Appeals 7/15/2026
Finance & General Govenment Committee and Town Board Agenda Meeting 7/14/2026
Town Board Special Meeting 7/14/2026
Planning Board and Zoning Commission 7/13/2026
Economic Development, Planning & Land Use Committee 7/10/2026
Highway, Parks ans Community Programs
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