TROY – A “Restore Troy” plan proposed by Councilman John Brown, D-At Large, is currently awaiting action by the state Legislature.

Brown, who is seeking re-election in November, first announced the plan two years ago with hopes to place a moratorium on increasing residential units in homes and to create incentives for converting multi-unit residential buildings into single-family or two-family owner occupied homes through tax abatement.

The council passed the moratorium in early 2008 and Brown is now hoping the Legislature will approve the state incentives.

“The goal is to make Troy an attractive place for families and to try to keep our neighborhoods clean and safe. This plan will help people make the investment in Troy and make for stronger neighborhoods,” said Brown.

The proposed bills before the Legislature would allow the city to adopt a local law to freeze the assess value of a home and allow the city assessor’s office to gradually increase the property assessment over eight years.

Similar legislation adopted by the council in 2005 limited eligibility to improved properties that were one or two family residences, eliminating the opportunity for owners interested in restoring homes that were broken into multiple units from taking advantage of the incentive.

“I think this legislation will be extremely helpful to homeowner’s as the council begins down-zoning in North Troy and across the rest of the city.” said Brown, who thanked Assembly Majority Leader Ron Canestrari, D-Cohoes, and Sen. Roy McDonald, R-Saratoga, for introducing the bills at the state level.

“When I ran for office two years ago I pledged to work with state leaders to do what’s necessary to get things done for our city. I want to continue to do that.”

TROY – Incumbent At-Large City Councilman John Brown has been endorsed by one of the area’s largest unions in his bid for re-election.

Brown, a Democrat, was recently endorsed by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 294, which represents approximately 3,500 households across the region.

“The campaign is picking up a great deal of momentum and we are very happy to have broad, energized support,” said Brown. “Having such a large and influential union like the Teamsters is going to help the campaign to finish strong in November.”

John Bulgaro, president of the IBT, said that Brown was exactly the type of leader that is needed in government today.

“With John Brown working on their behalf the people of Troy should look forward to great things,” said Bulgaro.

“Working families in Troy are struggling in a difficult economy so I will continue to fight for keeping taxes low and push for the city to do more with less,” said Brown. “We need dedicated individuals who will put the interest of residents first and I hope to continue to do that for two more years.”

Brown has also received support from the Bricklayers and Allied Craft-workers Local 2, Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1321, the Greater Capital Region Building Trades Council, and the Troy Area Labor Council.

TROY – An incumbent candidate for City Council has received the support of local builders.

Councilman John Brown, D-At Large, who is seeking re-election this fall, was recently endorsed by the Greater Capital Region Building Trades Council and the Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Union Local 2.

“I am truly honored to have the support of the men and women of organized labor as I seek re-election this year,” said Brown. “They are the backbone of our economy and our communities.”

Bob Mantello, president of the Bricklayers and Building Trades council, which represents more than 12,000 unionized construction families, said that Brown has shown he is willing to fight for working men and women and good government at the same time.

“His support of the Police and Fire Department staffing levels in Troy, as well as for additional code enforcement officers in the city, prove John Brown is a friend to organized labor and a hard worker for his constituents,” said Mantello.

Brown added that he has continued to work for open and responsive government that works for the taxpayers of the city.

“Since I took office, I have attended many, many neighborhood group meetings, I have issued a bi-annual newsletter to keep residents informed, and this (Democratic) council majority lengthened the public comment portion of council meetings,” said Brown. “I hope I am fortunate enough to continue to serve the people of Troy for two more years.”