Mayor's Press Room

Mayor Lou Rosamilia Nominates Members for Planning Commission

February 15, 2012

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, February 15, 2012
For More Information: Michael Fraser, 279-7131
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ROSAMILIA NOMINATES MEMBERS FOR PLANNING COMMISSION

Five-Member Panel Will Oversee Business & Planning Projects Throughout City

TROY, N.Y. – Mayor Lou Rosamilia today announced his nominations for the City’s Planning Commission. The five individuals bring unique experience and specific professional qualifications to the lead government body charged with shaping economic development policy and overseeing projects and initiatives in the City of Troy.

“The work of the Planning Commission is critical to the future success and prosperity of the City of Troy. Generating new business, developing streamlined processes and delivering effective oversight are all significant responsibilities that directly impact our community and residents,” Mayor Rosamilia said. “I have a tremendous amount of confidence in this group and feel strongly that their solid qualifications and professional backgrounds will enable them to successfully carry out their duties. I’m excited to work with this group and believe there’s a world of opportunity for us to achieve great things.”

Mayor Rosamilia called for the re-institution of a Planning Commission that sets in statute specific criteria for potential Commission members to meet, and formalizes professional qualifications for eligible candidates. The Commission will be comprised of five members, which will include an attorney who is a member of the Rensselaer County Bar Association, a licensed real estate broker with an office in Troy, a licensed engineer, architect, and an at-large board member who resides in the City of Troy.

The individuals appointed by Mayor Rosamilia are: Barbara Nelson, Thomas Sinopoli, Andrew Kasius. Charles Thomas and Russ Reeves.

Barbara Nelson served on the Troy Planning Commission from 1998 to 2004. Ms. Nelson, a licensed architect, brings an extensive background in municipal planning, architecture and government expertise to the Planning Commission. She has served as an adjunct professor at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) and currently works in the college’s Campus Planning and Facilities Design Department. During her five years of the Planning Commission, Ms. Nelson was instrumental in several planning projects including improvements to the Congress and Ferry Street corridor, the Hoosick Street corridor, and enhancements to Flannigan Square.

Thomas Sinopoli has compiled a distinguished career in the private sector and carries a wealth of knowledge from his work in business, real estate and marketing. For more than 30 years, he served in executive marketing and business development roles in private sector companies. Since 2007, Mr. Sinopoli has worked with business owners, building owners and contractors as a business broker and commercial real estate agent for Prudential Blake Atlantic Realtors. Mr. Sinopoli is a member of the Rensselaer County Historical Society and has served as a faculty member at Union College, the State University at Albany and Boston University.

Andrew Kasius currently works as a project manager with the New York State Energy Research Development Authority. Mr. Kasius has broad experience in public sector project management and extensive familiarity with technical government programs. In addition to his time with NYSERDA, he has served in leadership positions with the New York Department of State and with the New York/NewJersey Clean Ocean and Shore Trust. Mr. Kasius holds a bachelor’s degree in natural resource economics and a master’s degree in environmental management and policy.

Charles Thomas is a longtime Troy resident and a respected member of the Rensselaer County Bar Association. Now an attorney in private practice, Mr. Thomas specializes in real estate law and provides a variety of legal services to clients. He began his legal career as a real estate appraiser for the Department of Transportation and later served as an Assistant District Attorney for Rensselaer County. In addition to his private practice, Mr. Thomas also serves as an assistant public defender in Rensselaer County Family Court and Pittstown Town Court.

Russ Reeves is a licensed professional engineer and has been practicing engineering for the last 30 years. He is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and a charter member of the American Structural Engineering Institute. Mr. Reeves has been City Engineer in Troy for the last seven years and is responsible for the buildings, bridges, roads, dams, drainage structures and approximately one mile of sea wall along the Hudson River. He is also responsible for Engineering and Code Enforcement projects for the City. In addition to a degree in civil/structural engineering, Mr. Reeves has a minor in chemical engineering.

“Strong partnerships between the Chamber, the municipalities, and the County are essential to maintaining a strong business community and the Chamber is looking forward to working with Mayor Rosamilia and the members of the Planning Commission on continuing our efforts to attract and grow business right here in Rensselaer County,” said Rensselaer County Regional Chamber of Commerce President, Linda Hillman. “The Chamber’s Economic Development department receives a number of calls from private entities interested in doing business in Troy, and we anticipate working closely with the Planning Commission to capitalize on business development opportunities.”

The five individuals nominated to serve on the Planning Commission must be approved by the City Council. The move from a Planning Board to a Planning Commission becomes official 20 days after filing the local law establishing the Commission with the Department of State.

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