Colonie Alerts
Town of Colonie - Public Safety Update
April 24, 2025 - Public Safety Update
Town Addresses Public Safety Concerns at Hotels and Motels Through Collaborative Effort and Place Management Strategies
The Town of Colonie is actively addressing ongoing issues at local hotels and motels that have resulted in a high volume of police calls for service and generated concerns among residents.Over the past year, the Colonie Police Department implemented targeted hot spot policing, leading to numerous arrests, particularly for weapons possession. While these efforts provide immediate relief, Police Chief James Gerace recognized the need for a more comprehensive and long-term strategy.
To tackle these complex problems, Chief Gerace consulted with Town Supervisor Peter G. Crummey. Under Supervisor Crummey’s leadership, a “whole of government” task force was established. This collaborative body includes representatives from the Town Supervisor's Office, Police Department, Town Attorney’s Office, Building and Fire Services, and now, the Village of Colonie.Today, April 24, 2025, the Supervisor’s Task Force on Safer Hotels and Motels presented its strategies and goals to over 40 attendees, representing ownership and management from many of the Town’s lodging establishments. This meeting underscored the importance of collaboration between the Town and the business community and presented effective place management strategies. The session also served to advise owners of the existing Town laws governing hotels and motels in the Town of Colonie.
Chief Gerace emphasized the core principles guiding the Town’s approach, stating, “This meeting was a true example of Community Policing - Proactive Partnerships that are addressing our citizens' concerns. This I know for sure, when hotel and motel managers are actively engaged in vigilant management practices, problems are reduced.”
Supervisor Crummey reinforced the Town’s commitment, saying, “Public Safety is a top priority for my administration. Our Safer Hotels and Motels Task Force is diligently addressing the underlying issues and proactively tackling problems. It is my hope that by working with these local business owners, that our community will be safer for everyone.”