GENERATING SHELTER
Partnership opens up Legion post as emergency shelter
GREEN ISLAND, N.Y. » Members of Legnard Curtin American Legion Post 927 came together Wednesday morning at their home on Cohoes Avenue with state and local officials to announce a new partnership that will allow the veterans to again serve the public in times of need.
The post, with assistance from the village of Green Island, Albany County and its Sheriff’s Office and the state Division of Veterans Affairs, unveiled at a news conference an emergency generator that will allow the building to be used as an emergency shelter or command post in the event of an emergency or other community need. Post leaders also signed an agreement with the village to guarantee the building will be available when needed.
Village Mayor Ellen McNulty-Ryan and post Commander Anthony Lazzaro were joined Wednesday by Assemblyman John McDonald III, D-Cohoes, Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple and Albany County Legislature Chairman Sean Ward to unveil the new program.
Officials said the generator was purchased with money from the county and state, with a local share paid by the post. The project received $3,750 from the state Assembly, while the Albany County Sheriff’s Office secured a $2,750 emergency management grant, $1,500 came from the Albany County Legislature and $1,000 was raised by the post, which also lined up volunteers to install the generator.
McNulty-Ryan said this project will help to keep residents safe in case of an emergency and that it was done at no direct cost to village taxpayers.
“This is another example of continued cooperation between state, county and local governments and our community-minded veteran’s organization to keep us safe and use taxpayers’ dollars wisely,” she said during the news conference.
Post members are happy to have stepped up to help the village, Lazzaro said, as well as appreciative of the local and state assistance, without which the project couldn’t have happened.
“We stand proud of our commitment to our community in providing a safe and stable environment whenever our residents are in need,” said Lazzaro. “This additional generating equipment enhances our ability to serve the village when they need it the most.”
The building was favored by officials for an emergency shelter because it is close to Interstate 787 and has plenty of parking, as well as space for a command center that could hold several agencies.
“The Legnard Curtin Post has always been a meeting place for our village residents,” said Ward, who in addition to leading the Albany County Legislature is also McNulty-Ryan’s executive assistant, “but will now continue to be useful during emergencies, as well. … I am glad that the Albany County Legislature could play a small part in such a big project.”